Miami Marlins phenom Eury Pérez is setting MLB on fire

The former number one prospect in the Miami Marlins pipeline is setting the baseball world ablaze, presenting an enigma to opposition teams. On Sunday, Eury Pérez threw six scoreless innings in the Marlins 2-0 win over the Pirates, matching his previous high of nine strikeouts in the process.

With shades of Fernando Valenzuela and Dwight Gooden, Pérez has gone them one better, becoming the youngest pitcher with three straight scoreless outings of six or more innings since at least 1901 as per MLB’s Sarah Langs.

Miami manager Skip Schumaker said, “You just don’t see this ever at 20 years old. And those are some pretty good names. I grew up watching those guys, and they were pretty special. It’s good company to be in.”

Last week, Pérez shut down the Blue Jays before getting a no-decision in the 2-0 loss. Jays manager John Schneider said, “That cat’s good. I mean, he’s 20 years old, throwing 99. It’s tough. I thought our guys took some good swings on some heaters. Slider’s a little bit weird; it doesn’t really sweep, kind of goes straight down. But he’s as good as advertised. He is a legit arm. It’s tough sledding against a dude like that. And you know, happy he came out when he did.”

For the moment, at least, Pérez seems to be understated in appreciating his own level. “I know I’m doing a good job, but besides that, nothing else.”

The crowds in Miami have been stunned by the youngster’s prowess, notching up a 1.34 ERA through his first nine career starts, the lowest since 1973. Schumaker is clear on what he is seeing out of the young pitcher. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Ever. …This is a crazy run. And I just don’t see it going a different direction.”

If Pérez stays healthy, he is looking like a future Cy Young candidate, and if he can help the Marlins stay in playoff contention, he might be difficult to ignore in the Rookie Of the Year race. Either way, what we are witnessing in Miami is nothing short of spectacular.