MIAMI -- The Marlins talk a lot about checking boxes when it comes to the development of their prospects, and that doesn't exclude top prospect Eury Pérez.
It might've surprised some to see Pérez begin his season at Double-A Pensacola, where he pitched all of 2022, but the organization felt the 20-year-old right-hander would benefit from more seasoning at that level. Sure, he participated in the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game, but he also missed two months with a lat strain. Director of Minor League operations Hector Crespo credits Pérez for taking it in stride and being ready to go to work.
"Obviously the pitch package is real -- he's as talented as far as just any pitch that he throws is as talented as anybody in the game -- it's just for so many other traits," director of Minor League operations Hector Crespo told MLB.com. "The holding runners, to be able to field his position, the PFPs.
"It was more so just giving him that foundation so that when he gets to the big leagues, he's a guy who's as well-rounded as anybody. Obviously, he's taken off and thrown the ball really well in Double-A, so I wouldn't say -- I don't have an exact timeline on when -- but he's doing everything he needs to do to put himself in a position to get that nod when it does happen."
In Wednesday's 9-2 victory over Montgomery, Pérez completed six innings for just the third time and finished with a career-high 90 pitches. He also is part of a five-man rotation for the first time, so he doesn't have an extra day of rest in between starts. His schedule now resembles one he will have on a Major League staff.
"It was great," Pérez told MLB.com through interpreter Luis Dorante Jr. "I was saving a lot of pitches. That's one of the things I was doing -- a lot of ground balls, a lot of double plays. That's the game I'm trying to play, and yes, it was a great day for that."
Another factor that could determine when Pérez receives a promotion is the dynamic of the Triple-A Jacksonville roster. This season in particular, the starting staff has been in flux because of the injuries to the Major League rotation. Pitchers like Braxton Garrett, Daniel Castano, Jeff Lindgren, Devin Smeltzer and Sean Nolin have gone back and forth, which means shuffling when guys take the mound.
"I think as of right now, it's a conversation we've had as a group, just because of -- like you said -- the stability, and it's nice to just get on that routine; there's not as much up and down," Crespo said. "He's in a good spot right now. It wouldn't prevent us from moving him up with the instability, but I definitely like where he's at, at least to start the season. Where he knows the guys around him are as consistent as possible, and especially with his catcher."
Here’s a look at how other players are developing at the four Minor League affiliates:
Triple-A Jacksonville: UTIL Xavier Edwards (No. 12 prospect)
A middle infielder by trade, Edwards is following the same route as Jazz Chisholm Jr. by playing upwards of three times a week in center field. It has been a natural transition because of Edwards' athleticism, in Crespo's opinion. At the plate, the 23-year-old Edwards is taking his walks and collecting hits, even some via bunts.
Double-A Pensacola: INF Cody Morissette (No. 20 prospect)
Morissette fractured his ankle toward the end of the 2022 season and spent the offseason rehabbing. After a slight setback this spring, the Marlins kept him at Single-A Jupiter for 14 games to act as a sort of Spring Training. The 23-year-old is playing five to six days a week for the Blue Wahoos, usually at second or third base.
High-A Beloit: SS Kahlil Watson (No. 13 prospect)
Earlier this month, the 20-year-old Watson sustained a high ankle sprain that was meant to be a day-to-day issue, but he wound up missing 13 games. Crespo said the organization wanted to be cautious due to the cold weather in Wisconsin, where the ankle could stiffen up daily. Watson served as the designated hitter on Thursday in his return, played five innings at shortstop on Friday, sat on Saturday and was scheduled for seven frames at short on Sunday.
Single-A Jupiter: INF Ian Lewis (No. 15 prospect)
Lewis, who was limited to 51 games with the Hammerheads last year due to injuries, has started his 2023 at the same level. According to Crespo, the organization wanted the 20-year-old to be able to get everyday at-bats -- something that would've been difficult with the number of talented infield prospects at Beloit (Jacob Berry, Yiddi Cappe, Watson).