From MIKE PUMA

It doesn’t sound as if Oliver Perez is close to a Mets return after struggling through 4 1/3 innings Tuesday during a rehab start for Triple-A Buffalo. Though Perez allowed one run, he walked five batters and allowed three hits.

Jerry Manuel said Perez’s right knee, which forced him to the disabled list, remains “somewhat questionable” and the lefty will need at least another start in the minors.

“His knee is still an issue,” Manuel said. “We’re more concerned about him getting healthy, therefore he would have the balance to push off.”