MIAMI.- The Dominican law of Miami Marlins, Eury Pérezwill undergo Tommy John surgery and miss the entire 2024 season, the team reported Thursday.
Perez had initially been diagnosed with mild inflammation after suffering discomfort in his right elbow near the end of spring training. He was examined by Dr. Keith Meister and reconstructive surgery was recommended, according to Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix.
The Dominican made four starts in the preseason, but began the campaign on the injured list. Only on Tuesday had the team indicated that he was releasing his arm in preparation for a bullpen session.
Bendix told reporters before Thursday's game against St. Louis that the decision was made after a second consultation with Dr. Meister.
Perez, 20, debuted last May and became the youngest starter in franchise history. In his first 11 starts in the majors, he went 5-3 with a 2.36 ERA and 61 strikeouts.
The Marlins were cautious with Perez's workload, placing restrictions on his pitching and innings after he was promoted to the first team on May 12. He finished 2023 with a 5-6 record and 3.15 ERA in 91 1/3 innings.
The situation in Miami worsens:
Pérez's injury further decimates the Marlins' rotation.
Their Dominican ace Sandy Alcántara will miss the campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. Right-hander Edward Cabrera is on the disabled list with a right shoulder impingement, although he began a recovery period at Triple A on March 31. And left-hander Braxton Garrett is also sidelined with an impingement in his throwing shoulder.
Miami has had the worst start to a season in its history, starting 2024 with seven straight losses after qualifying for the playoffs last season.
