Detroit Tigers prospect Franklin Perez sidelined yet again

Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Franklin Perez has once again had his development delayed, as he is sidelined with shoulder tendinitis.

The past couple of years have been rough for Franklin Perez. Acquired by the Detroit Tigers as part of the Justin Verlander trade, there is no question as to the talent he possesses. Indeed, Perez was a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2018 campaign, the type of pitcher that could move quickly through the Tigers organization.

Last season, however, was a speedbump in his development. Hampered by a lat strain and shoulder inflammation, Perez only amassed 19.1 innings last season. He did not exactly perform well when on the mound, posting a 6.52 ERA and a 1.345 WHiP, striking out 14 batters with eight walks.

Despite those mediocre statistics, there was hope that Perez would return to his prior top prospect form. Instead, he has been injured once again, sidelined for another four to six weeks due to tendinitis in his right shoulder. Although, given his injury history, it may behoove the Tigers to be even more cautious with their prospect.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

Perez is still expected to have a bright future. He is considered the Tigers third ranked prospect by MLB.com, and is ranked 77th overall in their top 100 prospects. He is considered to have four above average offerings, with his low 90s fastball expected to add a few ticks as his body matures.

Of course, the big caveat is whether or not Perez can withstand the wear his arsenal would put on his arm. As he has pitched a total of 222.1 innings over his four years in professional ball, the jury is still out on that question. It may be that his future will be in the bullpen, where he could have less strain on his troublesome shoulder.

For now, the Tigers appear committed to keeping Perez as a starting pitcher. If he can stay healthy, he is expected to be a future mid-rotation starter at worst. With his arsenal, it is possible that he could develop into a viable second starter, or a force in the bullpen if the Tigers choose to send him to the bullpen.

Franklin Perez still has a bright future with the Detroit Tigers. However, in order for him to fulfill that potential, he will need to be healthy, something that has been a struggle over the past couple of years.