Eury Pérez, the 23-year-old right-hander, showcased his prowess on the mound in the Marlins' 7-1 victory over the Reds on Sunday. His performance was a testament to his ability to keep runners at bay, a crucial skill for any pitcher. Pérez's 6-foot-8 frame and dominant presence on the mound are complemented by a unique challenge: his longer limbs often result in a slower dash to home plate. This has led to an MLB-high 25 stolen bases against him this season, making his performance all the more impressive.
The key to Pérez's success lies in his quick slide step, a technique he's been refining with the guidance of field coordinator Aaron Leanhardt and pitching coach Daniel Moskos. By analyzing data, they identified that when Pérez uses this quick step, he doesn't sacrifice his exceptional stuff, velocity, or in-zone rate. This revelation gave Pérez the confidence to continue employing this strategy.
The Reds, however, tested Pérez early on. Elly De La Cruz, a speedy shortstop, took off on the starter's 12th offering, but Pérez's quick delivery to home plate and catcher Brian Navarreto's swift tag at second base resulted in a successful out. This sequence was particularly satisfying, as De La Cruz had previously stolen second base against Pérez in his second start of the season.
Despite the hot and humid conditions in Cincinnati, which affected his grip on breaking balls, Pérez issued five walks, his highest total since May 6. However, the Reds only tested him once more, and the Marlins easily threw out catcher Jose Trevino on a 3-2 count. Pérez's ability to keep runners on first base was crucial, as he relied heavily on his sinker, which resulted in six ground-ball outs compared to three air outs.
Pérez's performance is a testament to his growth as a pitcher, making him a more complete and dominant force on the mound. His exceptional stuff, including four-seamers over 100 mph, and his ability to shut down the run game, have made him a formidable presence in the league. As Reds manager Terry Francona noted, Pérez's stuff is among the highest in the league, and his ability to keep runners in check is a significant factor in his success.
