Oliver Perez took the loss in the 14th inning Sunday after walking in the go-ahead run against the Nationals.

Wow, is this the Mets' season -- maybe the whole franchise -- in a nutshell. Finally trotted out in the 14th in a 1-1 game, Perez, who hadn't pitched since Sept. 6, struck out Ian Desmond, then hit Adam Kennedy and walked the fearsome trio of Roger Bernadina, Wil Nieves and Justin Maxwell. It was like a final middle finger from Jerry Manuel, who bypassed the effective Pat Misch to go with another left-hander who hadn't worked in a month. Misch did come in with the bases loaded and one out and immediately generated a double-play ball, getting the Mets out of the inning.

Organizational sources tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets are mulling over allowing Oliver Perez to play winter ball in Mexico.

The Mets will likely allow him to play, according to Martino, but they are currently looking into legal ramifications should the high-priced left-hander injure himself. Not that they would wish that on him or anything. Finding a trade partner for Perez is highly unlikely right now, but a positive performance this winter could change that, especially if the Mets are willing to pick up the tab.

Oliver Perez would like to be back with the Mets in 2011.

"I want to be back here," Perez said. "I want to have a championship because I know the fans want it and I want it, too." The Mets don't want him back, but neither party has much of a choice. Perez is set to earn $12 million next season in the final year of his contract, so he has zero trade value. The Mets could decide to just cut him loose over the offseason, which they probably should do.

Mets manager Jerry Manuel said that there is an "outside" chance that Oliver Perez will start against the Phillies on Saturday.

Yep, outside. Like way outside. "We've got a few different ways that we can go with that particular move," said Manuel. "Right now, Ollie has not been in the conversation about that at all." The Mets have tried to avoid using Perez at home as much as possible, so it's highly doubtful he'll actually get the assignment. Look for Pat Misch to be called up from the minors.

Oliver Perez says that he is "trying to become a pitcher" now that he doesn't have the velocity he used to.

Perez adds that he think he will get his power back, but that "it's just hard when you're coming back from surgery." Ollie has given up five runs over 4 1/3 innings out of the bullpen since coming back. He has said he'll refuse a minor league assignment, so expect the Mets to use him sparingly down the stretch.

The Mets will not attempt to send Oliver Perez to the minors.

"That's done," a source told the New York Daily News on Monday. "He's not going to agree to go down." Perez has allowed seven hits, four walks and five earned runs since returning from the disabled list in late July. The Mets are not expected to release him, either, and will simply keep him active and use him only in mop-up situations. Brutal circumstances.

Oliver Perez would refuse a second minor league assignment, according to SI's Jon Heyman.

The Mets would like to send Perez down in a futile attempt to let him work out his problems, but, not surprisingly, the lefty wants no part of it. Don't be surprised if the Mets eventually just cut their losses and send Perez packing.

The Mets shopped around Oliver Perez Friday but to no avail.

Shocking! Perez has been highly unsuccessful since 2009 and no team is going to be willing to give the Mets anything for him given how much money he is owed. At this point, the Mets would be better off just cutting their losses and handing Perez his walking papers.

Mets activated LHP Oliver Perez from the 15-day disabled list.

Perez had a 3.47 ERA over four minor league rehab starts between High-A St. Lucie and Triple-A Buffalo, though he is expected to contribute as a left-handed specialist in the big leagues. The 28-year-old left-hander has struggled to find any success since signing his infamous three-year, $36 million contract, but this could be the best way to maximize his skills and minimize risk. That doesn't change the fact that he is a monumental waste of money.

Oliver Perez (knee) will throw for the Mets on Tuesday before being re-evaluated.

In other words, he is no shoe-in to be activated from the disabled list. If the Mets aren't happy with what they see, they may try to negotiate a new window for a rehab assignment. Naturally, they would have to get Perez's approval, which is highly unlikely.

Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com reports that Oliver Perez has re-joined the Mets in Arizona.

There's no word on when he will be added to the active roster, but it is expected to be rather soon. According to Mets manager Jerry Manuel, he will be used as a situational left-hander, which essentially takes away whatever little fantasy value he had, anyway.

When Oliver Perez rejoins the Mets, it will be as a situational reliever.

Manager Jerry Manuel said that he wants to use the southpaw as a "lefty on lefty" reliever. That makes sense, since he should be wanting to use Perez as little as possible. Perez has been, not surprisingly, erratic during his outings in the minors, and he presents no fantasy value. He's likely to join the team sometime later in the week.

Oliver Perez (knee) is scheduled to make his next minor league rehab start with Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday.

It will be his fifth minor league rehab start. Perez tossed five shutout innings for the Bisons on Sunday. The Mets obviously aren't in a rush to bring him back, but he should return sometime later this month.

Oliver Perez will make at least two more starts in the minors before the Mets decide what to do with him.

The team isn't sure if Perez will rejoin the major league club or not once he makes those two starts. Hisanori Takahashi has been inconsistent in a starting role for the Mets and would currently be the only current Mets starter the team might consider bumping out of the rotation in favor of Perez. Even that seems unlikely, though. When (if) Perez rejoins the big club, we're betting it will be in a relief role.

Oliver Perez (knee) will carry his minor league rehab assignment to Triple-A Buffalo on Wednesday night.

Ollie looked solid over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday at Single-A Port St. Lucie and will now try his hand against better competition. The left-hander was placed on the disabled list in early June with right patella tendinitis and is still several weeks from being cleared to rejoin the Mets.

Oliver Perez (knee) gave up two runs over 5 2/3 innings in his second minor league rehab start with Single-A St. Lucie on Tuesday night.

Perez allowed just two hits while striking out seven, walking three and hitting a batter. It's a nice improvement from his first rehab start last week. The Mets are likely going to stretch this out for as long as possible, meaning that a decision will be made on his fate will be made by the end of the month.

Oliver Perez (knee) allowed four runs and five hits over six innings Wednesday in his first rehab start with Single-A Port St. Lucie.

Ollie struck out seven and walked only one batter, but looked far too hittable as he gave up two home runs to a couple of no-name minor leaguers. The Mets will likely ask him to make two or three more appearances. Depending on how he looks, they may bring him back as a lefty specialist reliever.

Oliver Perez (knee) is scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment with Single-A St. Lucie on Wednesday.

The Mets are going to take their time before activating him, but he'll at least get a chance to boost his confidence against some lesser competition in the minor leagues. We're not convinced it will make much of a difference, but at least the Mets are keeping him off the active roster for now.

Oliver Perez (knee) could begin a minor league rehab assignment later this week.

Get excited? The Mets are going to run out the clock for as long as possible, but once Perez begins a rehab stint, he must be activated from the disabled list within 30 days.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya said that Oliver Perez (knee) is slated to throw a simulated game on either Friday or Saturday.

Big news. The Mets are going to try to milk this supposed knee injury for as long as they possibly can. Don't look for his return anytime soon.