The Miami Marlins face ongoing rotation instability due to a string of injuries, with Eury Perez being the most recent addition to the list.
The Miami Marlins anticipated challenges with their starting pitching this season, especially with ace Sandy Alcantara out due to Tommy John surgery and several pitchers lacking big-league experience. However, these challenges have intensified with a series of injuries. The latest setback involves right-handed pitcher Eury Perez, who left his spring training start against the Washington Nationals due to discomfort from a broken nail on his right middle finger.
Perez, 20, has been dealing with this issue since early March, resorting to a fake fingernail for support during his recent outings. Despite starting his latest game strongly, throwing impressive fastballs, discomfort arose during subsequent plate appearances, leading to his removal from the game. This injury adds to the Marlins’ ongoing rotation issues.
Left-handed pitcher Braxton Garrett, who was expected to step up in Alcantara’s absence, is also facing uncertainty as shoulder soreness delayed his preparation for the season. Edward Cabrera, another promising pitcher, was sidelined from a start due to shoulder tightness. The team hopes he’ll resume full activity soon. With Perez’s status uncertain, the Marlins are struggling to solidify their rotation for the upcoming season.
Manager Skip Schumaker expressed concern over Perez’s inability to build up his pitch count due to the ongoing fingernail issue, emphasizing the importance of his health for the season opener. Perez, despite his young age, showcased his talent last season, but his current setback poses a challenge for the team.
The Marlins’ rotation for the start of the season hinges on the availability of Cabrera and Perez. If either is unavailable, the team will have to rely on backup options such as Bryan Hoeing and George Soriano. Non-roster invitees like Yonny Chirinos, Vladimir Gutierrez, and Devin Smeltzer could also be considered. Schumaker acknowledges these setbacks as part of the game but hopes for a resolution before the season opener.
