It was shaping up to be a promising season for top Boston Red Sox pitching prospect Luis Perales, who was poised to advance in his quest to reach the major leagues. Unfortunately, it turned into a lost campaign for the 21-year-old right-hander.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora confirmed on Tuesday that Perales will undergo Tommy John surgery due to damage to his UCL, as reported by MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. This setback is a significant blow to the Red Sox, who had high hopes for the young pitcher.
Perales, ranked as Boston’s ninth-best prospect by MLB Pipeline and the second-best pitching prospect behind Wikelman Gonzalez, injured his elbow during a start with Double-A Portland on June 8. Initially diagnosed as elbow inflammation, the injury proved to be more severe.
The Venezuelan native had been rapidly rising through the Red Sox system, beginning the season with High-A Greenville before being promoted to Portland in late May. His performance justified the team’s optimism.
Known for his mid-90s fastball that can reach up to 99 mph, Perales showed his strikeout prowess by fanning 46 batters in 26 1/3 innings with Greenville this season. He impressed in his Double-A debut, allowing just two hits and one unearned run, along with one walk and seven strikeouts over five innings.
However, during his second start with Portland, Perales sustained the elbow injury, abruptly halting his progress. Now, he faces a lengthy recovery that will not only end his current season but also keep him sidelined for part of the next season.
This turn of events is undoubtedly disappointing for both Perales and the Red Sox. The young pitcher had demonstrated significant potential and was on a promising trajectory. As he undergoes Tommy John surgery and embarks on his rehabilitation journey, the Red Sox and their fans will have to wait longer to see his impact on the mound.
