The injury bug that has been sweeping through the Marlins big league clubhouse since early late in the first half, costing players such as Jazz Chisholm Jr, Brian Anderson, Jon Berti, Max Meyer, Trevor Rogers and others playing time has made its way to the minor leagues. The latest squad to get bitten badly: the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Over the course of the last week, the Wahoos have placed several of their players on the IL. Among them is the enigmatic Eury Perez.

Perez, 19,  joined the Marlins in 2019, signing out of the DR for $200,000. In under two seasons, he has risen to the rank of Marlins top prospect and according to many outlets including BaseballAmerica, the top pitching prospect in all of baseball. Playing against guys nearly six years older than him on average, Perez was holding down a 3.52 ERA, a 2.94 FIP, via a 29.1 K/BB%, 1.05 WHIP and semi-hard-luck .321 BABIP before he uncharacteristically struggled this past Monday night. Missing both his command and his velocity, Perez allowed six earned runs on two homers and four walks. It marked the first time in his young career that Perez had allowed more than five earned runs.

Last season, Perez was placed on a strict 80 innings limit. He would wind up throwing 78. This season, that limit was boosted slightly up to 110. Usually, that would equate with around 75 pitches per start, but Perez isn’t the usual pitcher. Perez’s dominance has allowed the Marlins to push his pitch limit up near the 90 mark. He’s been as high as 87 this season.

The latest on Perez is about as encouraging as it can be: he is experiencing simple arm fatigue and nothing further has been discovered in testing. So far, Eury has thrown 73 innings this year. While no specific timetable has been set, there is room for him to return and pitch again this season for the playoff-bound Wahoos, potentially after a few rehab outings with Jupiter.

Perez remains on track to attend spring training with the Marlins in 2023 before assignment, likely to AAA, in the days surrounding his 20th birthday.

IF Troy Johnston, who was placed on the IL on August 7th, is in concussion protocol as a precaution. Johnston is expected to return to Pensacola’s active roster when initially eligible early next week. Johnston has been one of Pensacola’s most consistent bats, hitting .292/.360/.450 over 85 games.

C Paul McIntosh is dealing with a minor injury after his latest of many rough battles behind the plate this year. He is getting a week to breathe and recoup but is expected to rejoin the Wahoos when eligible this weekend. McIntosh, who signed as a UDFA, has been a diamond in the rough find for the Marlins. He’s hitting .252/.375/.453 this season in his first AA showing.

IF Cody Morissette who broke bone in his foot suffered on July 3rd, the result of a foul ball, has shedded his crutches and walking boot. He has been at the Marlins’ facility in Jupiter since July 10th and will begin a rehab assignment with the FCL team today.

IF Jorge Caballero is dealing with a groin issue. Caballero, who has had a very disjointed career due to his health, was hitting well with Jupiter before this most recent injury. He was a .297/.361/.397 hitter in July for the Hammerheads.

OF Osiris Johnson is on the IL with a wrist injury he suffered on a hit by pitch. Per reports, Johnson was dealing with some general soreness before the HBP on July 23rd. Johnson, who learned how to play OF in the GCL in 2021, had played just five games with the Sky Carp before going down. His best tool, explosive bat speed, has been inhibited by recent events. He is at the Marlins’ facility in Jupiter.