Alessia
Miami, FL – The Miami Marlins, currently eight games under .500 and 15 games adrift of the National League East-leading Philadelphia Phillies, are clinging to their playoff aspirations. While the road ahead is challenging, a unique display of pre-game intensity from reliever Tyler Phillips and the burgeoning talent of young stars are injecting a much-needed jolt of energy into South Beach.
Phillips Channels “Stone Cold” for Crucial Save
In a moment that has quickly become the talk of MLB, Miami Marlins reliever Tyler Phillips delivered a performance as memorable for his pre-game ritual as for his dominant pitching. Before taking the mound against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday night, Phillips dramatically hyped himself up by repeatedly slapping his own face, all while the iconic entrance music of wrestling legend “Stone Cold” Steve Austin blared through the stadium speakers.
The unusual display, a clear nod to Austin’s infamous “Stunner” persona, captivated fans and teammates alike. In a post-game interview, Phillips explained his unique routine: “It’s all about getting locked in and finding that competitive fire before throwing a single pitch. It’s his unique way of flipping the switch.”
And flip the switch he did. The ritual translated into Phillips closing out the game with three quick outs, securing the save in Miami’s 5-3 victory. This was not just any save; it was a performance that solidified the win and sent a clear message about Phillips’s readiness to perform under pressure. If this translates into continued success, Marlins fans will undoubtedly welcome more “Stone Cold” entrances.
Youth Movement: Sanoja and Pérez Shine
The Marlins’ 2025 season was envisioned as a foundational year, an opportunity to build momentum with a competitive squad for the future. That vision is increasingly becoming a reality, thanks in large part to the emergence of young talents like rookie third baseman Javier Sanoja and pitching phenom Eury Pérez.
Javier Sanoja: A Rising Star at Third Base
Venezuelan native Javier Sanoja has quickly become a cornerstone of the Marlins’ future. A contact-hitting wizard in the Minor Leagues, Sanoja has translated that skill to the big leagues, showcasing impressive power with four home runs and a spectacular .876 OPS in August. His performance has solidified his status as one of the Marlins’ most promising prospects in recent years, offering a glimpse into the offensive firepower Miami aims to cultivate.
Eury Pérez Dominates on the Mound
On the pitching side, 22-year-old right-hander Eury Pérez is enjoying a sensational run. The imposing 6’8″ Dominican Republic native is an astounding 3-0 in five starts in August, capped by his stellar performance against the Blue Jays. This follows an equally impressive July, where he posted a 3-1 record in five starts with a minuscule 1.29 ERA – the second-lowest in the National League among pitchers with at least 25 innings.
Marlins manager Clayton McCullough lauded Pérez’s outing: “His slider was good today, he mixed in some really good changeups. I thought him and Liam [Hicks] did a nice job of utilizing his whole mix, but his ability to pound it with his fastball, and gain count leverage was a big reason why he was able to be so efficient. … Great outing.”
Pérez’s arsenal is truly elite. His fastball boasts a 93 run value, according to Statcast, and regularly touches 100 mph. His expected batting average (xBA) of .199 places him in the top 4 percent of pitchers league-wide, underscoring his ability to limit hard contact. As he continues to refine his slider and other off-speed offerings to complement his blazing fastball, Pérez is rapidly ascending to become one of the premier young pitchers in baseball.
Playoff Push and Future Prospects
While the Marlins face an uphill battle for a playoff spot, the recent performances of Phillips, Sanoja, and Pérez provide a compelling narrative. The team’s commitment to developing young talent is clearly paying dividends, laying a strong foundation for future contention. The blend of veteran grit and youthful exuberance, exemplified by Phillips’s unique motivation and Pérez’s dominant pitching, makes the Marlins a team to watch as the season progresses and in the years to come.
For more on MLB news and team updates, visit MLB.com.
