Miami Marlins’ Eury Pérez to Miss Eight Weeks With Gracilis Strain

Eury Pérez, a right-handed pitcher for the Miami Marlins, has been placed on the 15-day injured list after sustaining a right gracilis strain while stretching in the dugout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The injury, confirmed via imaging, is expected to keep the 23-year-old hurler out of action for eight weeks, according to multiple reports from established sports media outlets.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 27, during the Marlins’ 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays in Toronto. Pérez, who had previously recorded a season-high nine strikeouts over four scoreless innings, was seen performing his pre-inning stretching routine when he suddenly experienced severe tightness in his inner thigh. The pain was so intense that he was unable to continue pitching and was promptly attended to by the team’s training staff. Pérez was later helped down the tunnel by teammate Sandy Alcantara and underwent further testing on Thursday, which revealed the extent of the injury.

“I was just having a conversation with our pitching coach and suddenly I felt tightness right there in my leg and I couldn’t get up,” Pérez said via interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. Postgame. “I would say on a scale from 1-10, I would give a 10. It was very painful. I knew I was not going to be able to go out there and that was the same thought from our coaches, and we decided to go inside and just take a look at it.”

The Marlins announced the injury ahead of their series opener against the New York Mets on Friday, May 29, at Citi Field. Manager Clayton McCullough addressed the media, emphasizing the challenges of dealing with injuries in a long MLB season. “Injuries are a part of a Major League season, and we’re certainly not the only team that is either currently dealing with them or has, so certainly no one’s going to feel sorry for you, just like we wouldn’t feel sorry for anyone that’s having to deal with their own setbacks,” McCullough said. “You just have to come out and continue to play. It’s a team thing, so guys just have to continue to step up, and that’s all you can do.”

Pérez’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the Marlins, who are competing in a tightly contested National League East race. The 23-year-old had been one of the team’s more reliable relievers, posting a 3.24 ERA through 21 appearances this season. His recent performance against the Blue Jays was particularly notable, as he struck out nine batters and threw the second-fastest pitch of his career—a 101 mph four-seamer—to record a key out against former teammate Jesús Sánchez.

The right-handed pitcher’s absence will likely create opportunities for other members of the Marlins’ bullpen. While the team has not yet announced a corresponding roster move, the injury underscores the depth challenges faced by all 30 MLB franchises during the grueling 162-game regular season. Pérez’s recovery timeline, estimated at eight weeks, means he could potentially return in late July, assuming no setbacks occur during his rehab.

Marlins officials have not provided further details on the severity of the strain, but the team’s decision to place Pérez on the injured list reflects the cautious approach typically taken with lower-body injuries. The gracilis muscle, a long, thin tendon located in the inner thigh, is critical for hip and knee movements, and strains can often require extended recovery periods to prevent re-injury.

Pérez’s injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for the Marlins, who have already dealt with several key injuries this season. The team’s medical staff will monitor his progress closely, with plans to reassess his status after the initial recovery phase. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that Pérez returns to full health before being activated from the injured list.

As the Marlins navigate this challenge, the emphasis will shift to internal development and potential trades. The team’s front office has been active in recent weeks, and manager McCullough has indicated that the roster will need to adapt quickly. “Guys just have to continue to step up,” McCullough reiterated. “That’s all you can do.”

For Pérez, the road to recovery will require patience and discipline. The young pitcher has shown resilience throughout his brief MLB career, and his ability to overcome this setback could further solidify his role as a key contributor for the Marlins in the coming seasons.