Injured Rangers starting pitchers Martin Perez and Colby Lewis are now set to start rehab assignments in the minor leagues.

Martin Perez will be making his first rehab start on Saturday for AA Frisco, while Colby Lewis will be making his first rehab start a week from today on Thursday, May 9, for Round Rock.

Lewis has been out since the middle of last season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon. If all goes as expected during his rehab outings, he is expected to return to the Rangers rotation in late May or early June.

Perez was thought to have the inside track for the team's fifth starter job this spring -- a job that was expected to be open only until Lewis returned -- until he was struck by a line drive that broke a bone in his left forearm while pitching in an exhibition game. He will most likely be activated and optioned once he is healthy.