CHICAGO _ Salvador Perez played catch for the second time in three days on Saturday, taking the first steps in his recovery from a strained intercostal muscle.
Perez, the Royals' All-Star catcher, stretched it out to 120 feet in a throwing session with catching coach Pedro Grifol. He also did some light cardio work and stretching. He felt no discomfort during the workout, he said.
"I don't feel anything with the throwing," he said.
Perez could begin taking swings next week, he said. But his schedule remains day to day. The Royals are still unsure when Perez may return to the lineup.
Royals manager Ned Yost said earlier this week that Perez would likely miss two to three weeks after straining a muscle in his right side last Friday. He went on the disabled list on Aug. 5 and is eligible to return Tuesday. He will almost surely need more time than that.
In his first throwing session on Wednesday, Perez reported some tightness in his side. He took Thursday off before throwing again on Friday.
