NEW YORK — Struggling pitcher Oliver Perez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday by the Mets because of an injury to his right knee.
The move was made retroactive to Tuesday, and it solved a roster problem for the Mets. Left-hander Jonathon Niese came off the disabled list to start Saturday against Florida, so New York needed to open a spot for him.
By putting Perez on the 15-day DL, the Mets avoided having to send a pitcher to the minors.
In the second year of a $36 million, three-year contract, Perez lost his spot in the rotation this season and was banished to a mop-up role in the bullpen.
Cardinals pick up Winn
ST. LOUIS — The Cardinals signed outfielder Randy Winn, looking to provide more depth to their bench.
Winn, a switch-hitter with a .285 career average, hit .213 with one homer and eight RBIs in 29 games with the Yankees before he was designated for assignment last month.
Footnotes.
Nationals catcher Carlos Maldonado has been placed on the 15-day DL because of a fractured right thumb. The team added Jamie Burke from Triple-A Syracuse to the roster to replace Maldonado.
• The Red Sox recalled outfielder Josh Reddick from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned reliever Scott Atchison to the same minor-league club.
• Brad Bergesen was removed from the Orioles’ starting rotation and assigned to provide relief to an overworked bullpen.
• Royals outfielder Rick An- kiel and left-handed pitcher John Parrish, who both have missed more than 30 games because of injuries, will start minor-league rehab assignments Tuesday.
The Associated Press
