Salvador Perez’s rough stretch continued Wednesday night as the Kansas City Royals catcher left a 4-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers with an aggravation of his right elbow.
Perez was hit by a 90.4 mph cutter on his elbow guard in the first inning but remained in the game. The issue became more noticeable in the third inning when he threw to second base in an attempt to catch Andy Pages stealing. Perez said the elbow began bothering him more after the throw, making it difficult to grip the bat.
He stayed in long enough to contribute an RBI single, but the Royals removed him after the fifth inning. Perez received an injection after leaving the game and said doctors told him the elbow should feel better within about 24 hours. He is hoping to be back in the lineup Friday.
The injury is particularly concerning because Perez missed three games earlier this season with soreness in the same right elbow. The Royals will have to monitor his condition closely as they begin a weekend series against the Los Angeles Angels.
The injury came during another frustrating night for Kansas City. The Dodgers hit three home runs, including a two-run shot by Shohei Ohtani and a solo homer from Mookie Betts, to complete a three-game sweep. The Royals have now lost four straight games and 10 of their last 13.
Updates on KFH Radio. Listen to KC Royals games on KFH Radio.
