Rangers pitcher Martin Perez goes on 15-day DL with elbow inflammation

Martin Perez won four of his first five starts in 2014. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) The Rangers have placed starting pitcher Martin Perez on the 15-day

Martin Perez won four of his first five starts in 2014. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The Rangers have placed starting pitcher Martin Perez on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his elbow, the team announced Wednesday.

Perez complained of soreness in the area following his last start on Saturday. An MRI exam reportedly revealed no evidence of a tear or structural damage to the left-hander's ulnar collateral ligament.

Perez started the season with four wins in his first five starts, including back-to-back shutouts against the White Sox and A's, but has struggled in his last three starts. He is 4-3 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in eight starts and 51 1/3 innings this season.

The Rangers called up right-handers Nick Tepesch and Scott Baker from Triple-A Round Rock to join their injury-plagued pitching staff. Tepesch will make his MLB season debut on Wednesday against the Astros.

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Starting pitcher Matt Harrison left Tuesday night's game against the Astros after 1 2/3 innings with stiffness in his back. Harrison was scheduled to see Dallas spine specialist Dr. Drew Dossett Wednesday afternoon. Harrison's stiffness occurred in the same area as the herniated disk that required two surgical procedures to repair.

Rangers recall RHP Nick Tepesch and purchase RHP Scott Baker from Round Rock. Martin Perez goes on DL and Justin German desig. for assign.

— John Blake (@RangerBlake) May 14, 2014