CHICAGO -- There was a moment shortly after Martín Pérez left his start on April 18 at Fenway Park, with left elbow discomfort following three innings, when the veteran White Sox southpaw thought it was over.
Not just the 2025 season, but the end of his 14-year-career.
So, it’s tough to imagine how Pérez felt when he returned to the mound in the sixth inning of a 1-0 setback against the Tigers Wednesday afternoon at Rate Field. He allowed one run over 3 1/3 innings and 66 pitches, suffering the loss, but even that outcome had to feel right in this situation.
“I was so nervous in that first inning,” Pérez said. “I don’t know if you guys see it. It was good to be back after almost four months, to be back on the mound and compete again. I don’t have pain, you know?
“Without pain I can do a lot of stuff and I can help the team a lot. When you feel pain and you feel something in your body, you are not going to do your 100 percent. Now I feel good and I think I’m back.”
Pérez joined the White Sox (44-77) via a one-year, $5 million free agent deal this past offseason and immediately became an important clubhouse presence. He expressed belief in the White Sox as 2025 contenders in Spring Training, even in the midst of a rebuild, even with 121 losses on their ‘24 resume, but also mentored the younger players on the roster.
During his first White Sox start on March 31, Pérez hurled six no-hit innings at home in a 9-0 victory over the Twins. He seemed to be a perfect fit for a young staff needing quality innings. Then, that moment came for Pérez in Boston, termed as left elbow inflammation as he worked his way back gradually but steadily through rehab.
On that April night, James Kruk, the White Sox head athletic trainer, delivered a message Pérez wasn’t prepared to hear.
“I was sitting with James, and he told me, ‘Hey Martín, at some point maybe you are going to get surgery,’” Pérez said. “I’m not 21 anymore. I have a lot of innings on my arm and it’s going to be a long process and take time. A lot was going on in my mind.”
After getting a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister, Pérez’s optimism and drive quickly were activated, leading to Wednesday in Chicago almost four months later.
“He said you don’t need surgery because if you get surgery you go home. It’s over for you,” Pérez said. “I went through all the routine and all the rehab and now we are here.”
“Happy to work with him,” said catcher Edgar Quero, who was behind the plate Wednesday. “Lot of years, lot of experience. For him to come back, I'm happy to have him back in the organization."
Shane Smith, who had a post All-Star break trip to the 15-day injured list due to a left ankle sprain, started Wednesday’s series finale and hurled five scoreless innings. His five strikeouts and three walks aided in pushing Smith’s season total to over 100 innings, a milestone for the rookie taken with the top pick in the ‘24 Rule 5 Draft and the White Sox lone All-Star representative.
“That’s a pretty low benchmark in terms of starting pitching,” said Smith of his 101 innings pitched. “But for me, that’s a career high. Really want to build on that. Obviously want to finish this year strong and throw as many innings as I can, just build up as much workload. But to get over 100 feels good.”
“Pretty good, man, nasty,” said Quero of Smith. “Using the fastball and the changeup."
Smith was happy with a second straight strong outing, after striking out eight over five innings in Seattle on Aug. 7. He was equally pleased to see the return of Pérez.
Detroit’s first three hitters reached base in the sixth, followed by Wenceel Pérez’s long sacrifice fly to left-center, but Pérez limited the damage to just the one run. He struck out three, leaving him ready for whatever comes next. The 34-year-old truly is happy to even have a next, whether it’s as a starter or in relief.
“He’s going to be flexible, and at the same time coming off that injury you want to give him some consistency,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “We’ll be open to different things to get where we need to go. But just nice to have him back.”
“My legs were shaking a lot,” a smiling Pérez said. “As soon as I don’t feel that anymore, I’ll go home … So, let’s just keep going.”