Oliver Perez to DL?

[apz]

Saw this in the NY Post today. http://www.nypost.com/seven/07022007/sports/mets/ailing_back_could_land_perez_mets_mark_hale.htm
Has anyone heard anything else?

In what’s becoming a disturbing situation, Oliver Perez doesn’t believe he’ll be taking the mound tomorrow.

Perez was scratched for yesterday’s outing with a stiff back and was then tentatively slated for tomorrow. But yesterday he said that’s a longshot.

The left-hander did long toss yesterday and said, “I still feel it, but it’s better.” But Perez wasn’t sure how long it would be until he pitched.

Willie Randolph mentioned yesterday that Perez could be pushed back further or perhaps even placed on the disabled list retroactively to June 27. But the Mets can’t have Perez out for too long. He’s been a terrific pitcher for them this season, and they already have Jorge Sosa hurting too.

[Bwanna]

Jul 2 Joseph Santoliquito, of Mets.MLB.com, reports New York Mets SP Oliver Perez (back), who was scheduled to start Tuesday, July 2, will instead miss his next two starts with a strained lower back.

Jul 2 Perez, who was scratched from Sunday's start due to a stiff back, reported improvement after long-tossing in the outfield but still feels something and may be sidelined until after the All-Star Break, the NY Newsday reports.

Recommendation: Perez is reluctant to pitch while still felling sore and uncomfortable, so look for the Mets to err on the side of caution and sit him out until after the break. Jason Vargas is the likely candidate to start in place of Perez, who could be placed on the DL retroactive to June 27.