Martin Perez's time in the Red Sox' starting rotation has come to an end, at least for the foreseeable future.
Manager Alex Cora announced before Friday night's game that Perez will be moving to the bullpen, with Tanner Houck likely remaining in the rotation at least into next week.
Perez lasted just an inning and a third Thursday in Detroit, giving up three runs on five hits. That followed a start in which he gave up six runs to the Rays. Perez has a 7-8 record and 4.77 ERA in 22 starts season, and he has gone four innings or less in seven of his last 11 starts.
Houck, who has a 2.45 ERA in six games (four starts) this season, is set to start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader. With a day off Monday, Cora can then get his rotation set for the week.
Of course, there is also the pending return of Chris Sale to account for. Sale is set to make his fifth rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, and Cora has said that will most likely be his final rehab outing if all goes well.
If that's the case, Sale could make his first start for Boston sometime late next week. It's not yet clear who will be removed from the rotation once he returns. Garrett Richards and his 5.21 ERA would be a prime candidate, but the Red Sox could also send Houck back down to the minors.
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