Chris Perez (shoulder) is scheduled for another bullpen session Monday. Perez threw a 15-pitch bullpen session Saturday without any issues. The Indians' closer remains optimistic that he'll return from his shoulder injury in time for Opening Day, and as long as he doesn't have a setback, he should be able to reach his goal.

Chris Perez (shoulder) will throw a short bullpen session Saturday. It's the first time he's thrown from the bump since he was shut down at the beginning of March with a strained right shoulder. Perez is optimistic that he'll be ready to close on Opening Day if he can avoid a setback, but it's not a guarantee.

Chris Perez (shoulder) could resume throwing off a mound in Indians camp as early as Saturday. That's what Indians manager Terry Francona told the media on Thursday morning. Perez has been sidelined since the beginning of March with a strained right shoulder, but he's still hoping to be ready for Opening Day. If he's not ready, Vinnie Pestano will fill in at closer.

Chris Perez (shoulder) is scheduled to play catch Wednesday from a distance of 90 feet. It will be Perez's third throwing session since he was shut down with a strain muscle in his right shoulder. It's not clear when he'll be ready to throw from a mound, but he could be ready for Opening Day if he avoids setbacks. Vinnie Pestano would be the likely alternative if he needs some extra recovery time.

Chris Perez (shoulder) resumed his throwing program Sunday. He's only playing some light catch so far, but it's obviously a step in the right direction. Perez is dealing with a strained muscle in his right shoulder but is expected to be ready for Opening Day if he can avoid setbacks. Vinnie Pestano could get the early save chances if Perez needs extra time.

Chris Perez (shoulder) could begin a throwing program Sunday. Perez was shut down last week due to a strained muscle in his right shoulder. The Indians originally estimated that he would miss 3-4 weeks, so he's iffy to be ready for the start of the season. Vinnie Pestano could get the early save chances if he needs extra time.

Chris Perez (shoulder) said his goal is to be ready for Opening Day. Perez was diagnosed with a strained muscle in his right shoulder Friday and will be shut down for the next 7-10 days. He won't pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and is a candidate to open 2013 on the disabled list. The Indians currently expect Perez to miss 3-4 weeks with the injury, so he'll need to avoid setbacks if he hopes to be ready for the start of the season.

Chris Perez will not appear in Cactus League games for the next 3-4 weeks after being diagnosed with a strain of the subscapularis muscle in his right shoulder. The closer will be shut down for the next 7-10 days and obviously will no longer pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. While he technically could have time to make it back for Opening Day, this almost surely means he'll begin the season on the disabled list. Vinnie Pestano should handle the ninth inning while Perez is out.

Chris Perez was scratched from a scheduled appearance Friday for undisclosed reasons. Indians manager Terry Francona would only say that he will have more information about Perez on Saturday. Perez is currently slated to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but that would obviously be up in the air if he's injured.

Indians avoided arbitration with RHP Chris Perez by agreeing to a one-year, $7.3 million contract. It's the third of four arbitration years for Perez, who made $4.5 million last season. He saved a career-high 39 games while making the All-Star team for a second straight year in 2012. The right-hander will return as the club's closer in 2013 but is a trade candidate.