Sometimes, doing the right thing is not popular. Such is the case with the Miami Marlins and Eury Perez.
The Marlins found themselves in a difficult spot with Perez. He has been the best pitcher in their rotation since he made his debut on May 12. At the same time, he has already thrown 84.1 innings between Triple-A and the Marlins, surpassing his high mark as a professional. As such, the Marlins optioned Perez to the minors on Friday, bringing up another arm for their bullpen.
Sending Eury Perez down makes sense for Miami Marlins
On the surface, this seems to be an odd move. Perez has proven that he can pitch at the major league level, posting a 2.36 ERA and a 1.088 WHiP over his 53.1 innings in Miami, striking out 61 batters with just 17 walks. He has also proven that he can bounce back from adversity; after recording just one out while allowing six runs on seven hits, Perez allowed just one run on three hits and two walks, striking out seven over six innings in his next start.
But the Marlins have to keep an eye on the future, both this year and going forward. He was not going to pitch before the All Star Break and the Marlins need to restrict his innings. Perez is likely to get some time off after the break as well. With Johnny Cueto due to return, the Marlins do have another option in the rotation. Likewise, the Marlins are in need of help in the bullpen. Robert Garcia and Sean Reynolds should make some impact in that area.
Then there are the ramifications for this season and moving forward. As the Marlins find themselves in the playoff hunt, they will need Perez to be able to contribute down the stretch and possibly into October. As their best pitcher thus far, he could be the key to whether or not the Marlins find themselves as an unexpected playoff team.
The Miami Marlins have sent Eury Perez to the minors. It is a move that makes sense on several fronts and needed to happen.
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