Stud Yankees pitching prospect's mystery injury revealed (VIDEO)

Yankees righty pitching prospect Freicer Perez (No. 6) has been on the MILB disabled list since May 9. But why?

TAMPA — Stud Yankees pitching prospect Freicer Perez has been compared to a young Dellin Betances.

They’re both 6-foot-8. Their fastballs scrape 100 mph. Betances was a highly touted prospect years ago. Perez, ranked No. 6 in the Yankees’ organization by MLB.com, is one now.

On Friday, Perez, 22, threw to hitters at the team’s player development and training complex. The right-hander was under the watchful eye of Greg Pavlick, the Yankees’ pitching rehab coordinator.

Perez has been on the minor-league disabled list since May 9. He hasn’t pitched since the day before.

It’s been a mystery as to why. When Perez went on the DL, the team’s Twitter account didn’t offer specifics.

ROSTER MOVE: RHP Freicer Perez placed on the 7-Day Disabled List. RHP Matt Wivinis promoted from Single-A Charleston to Tampa. #Tarpons #Yankees
— Tampa Tarpons (@TampaTarpons) May 9, 2018

Well, after Perez finished pitching Friday, he was asked what was wrong.

“Inflammation,” Perez said, first pointing at his right shoulder and then pressing on the area behind it.

That explains it.

Perez is 0-4 with a 7.20 ERA in six starts for High-A Tampa. He’s walked nearly as many batters (19) as he has struck out (20).

Last year, Perez went 10-3 with a 2.84 ERA in 24 starts at Low-A Charleston, striking out 117 in 123 2/3 innings while walking 45.

What’s Yankees’ plan for Frazier?

Here’s part of MLB.com’s scouting report on Perez:

He carried his premium velocity throughout 2017, working at 96-99 mph in his South Atlantic League postseason start. His long arms create unusual angle and plane to his pitches, making it harder for hitters to contend with his heater.

Perez also has a curveball and changeup that show flashes of becoming plus pitches, and he has added a hard slider that also has promise. He made good progress last year with repeating his delivery and throwing strikes, no easy task for a 6-foot-8 delivery. He has clean mechanics, and if he can maintain his arm slot and take a direct line to the plate on a consistent basis, he could be a frontline starter.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.

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