Perez is one of two finalists for the final spot in the Braves' pitching staff, David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
John Gant is the other competitor for the roster spot. Perez is the front-runner to fill in the fifth rotation spot on Apr. 12 (the first time a fifth starter will be needed), so it may save the Braves some hassle to just have Perez on the roster from the get-go. However, Perez is slated to pitch in the Braves' Grapefruit League finale, which would mean he wouldn't be available out of the bullpen to start the season.