MLB Managers Prioritize Pitcher Health Over Perfect Games

In Major League Baseball, two pitchers were pulled during perfect game bids over a span of four days, highlighting a trend of prioritizing pitcher health over historic accomplishments. On July 4, 2026, Eury Pérez of the Miami Marlins was removed from his start against the Oakland Athletics after completing seven perfect innings, having thrown 92 pitches. Reliever Lake Bachar entered the game and walked a batter, then allowed a single, ending both the combined perfect game and the no-hitter.

On July 6, 2026, Jared Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates faced a similar fate. He pitched six perfect innings against the Atlanta Braves before manager Don Kelly decided to remove him prior to the seventh inning of a scoreless game. At the time of his exit, Jones had only thrown 77 pitches. His replacement, Mason Montgomery, quickly allowed a single, thus ending the hope for a combined perfect game. Atlanta ultimately won the game 3-0.

The decisions to pull both young pitchers have sparked discussions about MLB's evolving approach to pitcher management. While perfect games and no-hitters are celebrated, they often take a backseat to considerations about a pitcher's future health and performance. The extended regular season poses challenges and teams remain wary of the risks associated with high-pitch outings, particularly for younger pitchers known for their velocity. Eury Pérez and Jared Jones are both under 25 years old and have had previous arm injuries, which likely influenced the managers' decisions.

Marlins manager Clayton McCullough explained his rationale for Pérez's removal, stating, "Going into this game, 90 plus a batter was a pitch count that I felt comfortable with him coming back off the time on the IL." In Pérez's case, the start was only his third back after a month-long absence due to a thigh muscle strain.

This situation contrasts with other pitchers who may not have similar injury histories. Blue Jays manager John Schneider, for example, allowed Dylan Cease to exceed his previous pitch count in pursuit of a no-hitter, demonstrating how teams handle veteran pitchers differently. The overall trend illustrates a cautious approach to managing young pitchers, emphasizing the importance of long-term arm health over fleeting moments of potential glory.