Miami Marlins' Young Ace Continues to Deal with Nagging Injury, Leaves Another Start Early

This is not the first time that Perez has dealt with blister issues, as he also left a start early back on March 3. He also had a small cut on his pitching hand even prior to that. While maybe these issues aren't huge issues moving forward, they are something that Perez needs to get under control. He needs to be able to build up his pitch count in order to be ready for Opening Day.

He's expected to take a big jump this season and be a key contributor to a Marlins' team that went to the playoffs a season ago. The team has already been dealing with several injury issues this spring, as Sandy Alcantara is out for the season with Tommy John surgery, and Edward Cabrera is likely to start the year on the IL as well.

Perez went 5-6 last year with a 3.15 ERA, making 19 starts as the Marlins got to the playoffs as a National League wild card team. He struck out 108 batters in those 91.1 innings.

Miami will open up the season on March 28 against the Pittsburgh Pirates, who finished fourth in the National League Central last season.