Dodgers’ Joel Peralta relieved to avoid surgery

Reporting from ST. LOUIS — Joel Peralta said he plans to throw off a mound in the coming days, perhaps early next week, when the Dodgers are in Colorado.

The development is a significant relief to the 39-year-old right-hander, who has been on the disabled list for more than a month.

“The doctor, at one point, was talking about surgery,” Peralta said Friday.

Peralta said the source of his shoulder problems is a nerve that runs from the neck to triceps on his right arm. The nerve was pinched, and Dr. Robert Watkins Jr. talked to him about treating the problem by removing a disk from his back.

But Peralta’s condition gradually improved. About a week ago, he started playing catch.

“That,” Peralta said, “was a big relief.”

Peralta was acquired in the off-season from the Tampa Bay Rays. He appeared in seven games in April and didn’t allow a single run.