TORONTO — The last time catcher Michael Perez played for the Rays was so long ago, they had the best record in the majors.
Since that May 4 game, Perez strained his right oblique, needed a month for recovery and rehab, and was optioned to Triple-A Durham on June 10, where he has played since. The Rays, meanwhile, went from a leagues-leading 21-12 to 58-47.
Perez was called up Friday, but how much he will play isn’t clear, nor is how long he stays, pending needs for an extra pitcher or one of the currently injured players coming back.