2026 Transactions: Braves Select Martin Perez, Guardians Select Allard

Atlanta selected veteran pitcher Martin Perez to join an injury-hampered pitching staff on March 30. It was one of several moves on the day, which also saw the Guardians promote Kolby Allard as part of a bullpen restructure.

Braves select Perez

The Braves selected left-hander Martin Perez from Double-A Columbus on March 30 (he did not pitch in Double-A).

Perez pitched for Atlanta in the spring after he signed a Minor League deal with the team in February. The left-hander struck out 10 over 12.2 IP and posted a 2.84 ERA.

In a corresponding move, Atlanta optioned pitcher Didier Fuentes to Triple-A.

Per MLB.com, the plan is to stretch Fuentes out as a starting pitcher with Gwinnett. Then, the young right-hander could become an option to return to the Braves.

Guardians change up bullpen

Before the Guardians played the Dodgers on March 30, Cleveland selected Kolby Allard from Triple-A Columbus. Colin Holderman, who conceded two hits and two walks between his first two appearances of the year, was optioned to Triple-A.

Allard pitched last season with Cleveland in the bullpen. And he was effective, as the left-hander posted a sub-3.00 ERA with the Guardians. However, he struck out 42 over 65 innings.

He was brought back on a Minor League deal in February.

Additionally, the Guardians designated pitcher Doug Nikhazy for assignment.

Trades

The Brewers acquired outfielder Luis Matos, who was DFA’d by the Giants last week, from San Francisco in a cash trade. Matos hit lightning in a bottle when he was promoted to the Majors in 2023 but never established himself as an everyday player.

San Francisco, meanwhile, acquired Minor League reliever Dylan Smith from the Tigers. The Giants optioned him to Triple-A.

Other moves

The Diamondbacks recalled infielder Jose Fernandez from Triple-A Reno.

Houston selected the contract of Cody Bolton from Triple-A Sugar Land.

Christian Roa (Astros) and Andres Chaparro (Nationals) were optioned to Triple-A.

Rangers outfielder Dairon Blanco was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock.

Sammy Peralta (Brewers) and Tyler Fitzgerald (Giants) were designated for assignment.