BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -New York Mets left-hander Oliver Perez took another step toward returning from a right knee injury, allowing three runs in five-plus innings Friday night in a Triple-A rehabilitation start.

Perez gave up five hits and four walks while striking out four for the Buffalo Bisons. He threw 92 pitches, 46 for strikes, and delivered a first-pitch strike to only seven of the 23 Rochester Red Wings he faced.

Perez has said reaching 100 pitches in a rehab start was all he needed to rejoin the Mets' rotation.

Matt Macri hit a leadoff homer in the fifth against Perez, who allowed back-to-back doubles in the sixth before being replaced.

Perez is scheduled to return to the Mets for a start on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.