Eury Pérez: The Promising Marlins Pitcher’s Return from Tommy John Surgery and Its Potential Impact
Eury Pérez, the towering right-hander for the Miami Marlins, is poised to make a highly anticipated return to Major League Baseball after a lengthy recovery from Tommy John surgery. His journey from a rising star to an injured prospect and now a hopeful comeback story encapsulates the highs and lows of professional baseball and highlights the resilience required to succeed at the highest level.
Early Rise and Breakout 2023 Season
At just 20 years old, Pérez made an impressive MLB debut for the Marlins on May 12, 2023, quickly garnering attention for his imposing 6-foot-8 frame and high-velocity pitching. His rookie campaign comprised 19 starts and over 91 innings pitched, showcasing a robust 3.15 ERA and a solid strikeout rate near 29 percent. Such metrics among a young pitcher signaled a future frontline starter for Miami.
Throughout 2023, he demonstrated a repertoire that already placed him among notable young arms in the league. His fastball was regarded as one of the best, featuring elite spin rates and velocity. Moreover, during the season, he added a new pitch—referred to as a “sweeper”—which immediately enhanced his arsenal. This pitch achieved a 39.2% whiff rate and a low expected weighted on-base average, indicating its effectiveness and potential to be a key weapon in his pitching mix.
The Marlins even managed Pérez’s workload carefully, optioning him to the minors mid-season to protect his arm and allow sustainable development—a decision reflecting both his value and the organization’s desire for his long-term success.
Setback: Tommy John Surgery and Recovery
In the 2024 spring training, Pérez encountered discomfort from an injury to his right elbow, leading to an eventual diagnosis requiring Tommy John surgery—a reconstructive procedure on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This surgery, paired with the installation of an internal brace in April 2024, sidelined him for the entire season.
Tommy John surgery is an arduous process often requiring 12 to 18 months of rehabilitation. Pérez’s recovery has been closely monitored, with updates noting some complications early on such as finger nail injury and elbow soreness. Despite these hurdles, he displayed steady progress, remaining on schedule for a mid-2025 return, as confirmed by medical evaluations and his participation in limited rehab starts.
Return to the Majors: Expectations and Preparations
As of June 2025, Pérez is scheduled to make his first MLB start since September 20, 2023, facing the Pittsburgh Pirates. This matchup signals not only an important personal milestone but also garners excitement among Marlins fans and fantasy baseball managers alike.
Reports indicate that Pérez may make one more rehab start before fully rejoining the Marlins’ rotation, reflecting careful steps to ease him back into competitive play. The team’s cautious approach aligns with their long-term investment in his development and health.
This return also showcases Pérez’s evolved pitching arsenal. Besides retaining his high-velocity fastball, he benefits from his sweeper pitch and has worked on refining his command and secondary pitches, suggesting potential for an even more effective pitching profile now than before his surgery.
Potential Impact on the Marlins and Fantasy Baseball
Pérez’s return is highly significant for a Miami Marlins team that struggled with a 23-38 record earlier in the 2025 season. Given his previous dominance in one-run games and ability to limit runs, his presence could provide a much-needed boost to the starting rotation, enhancing the team’s competitiveness during a critical juncture of the season.
From a fantasy baseball perspective, if Pérez can regain or exceed his previous form, he could rank among the top pitching assets. His strikeout ability, combined with improved pitch variety, makes him a valuable target in fantasy leagues, especially as he steps back into regular MLB action.
Challenges and Outlook
While the optimism surrounding Pérez’s return is warranted, several challenges remain. Recovery from a major surgery like Tommy John is never guaranteed to culminate in a seamless comeback. Pitchers often require time to regain their pre-injury form and may face adjustments in velocity or control. The Marlins’ cautious management of his innings highlights awareness of these risks.
However, Pérez’s youth—only 22 years old as of 2025—and demonstrated work ethic, along with medical advancements such as internal bracing, set a foundation for a strong return. His ability to add new pitches during recovery speaks to a maturing pitcher whose game may become more diverse and strategic.
Conclusion: Ready to Reclaim Stardom
Eury Pérez’s story is one of youthful promise interrupted by injury but fueled by determination and talent. His impending return to MLB marks a pivotal moment not just for him but also for the Miami Marlins and baseball observers eager to witness the resurgence of one of the game’s most exciting young pitchers.
If he recaptures the dominance that made him a top prospect and augments it with his newly developed tools, Pérez could quickly reestablish himself as a cornerstone of the Marlins’ pitching staff and a feared competitor across the league. The coming months will reveal the full extent of his recovery, but the foundation is firmly laid for a remarkable comeback and, potentially, a bright future.
