Atlanta Braves Demote Player After Loss to Mets

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss (22)Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Atlanta Braves Demote Player After Loss to Mets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 4:51 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves lost Monday's game against the New York Mets in embarrassing fashion, falling 14-3. The Mets spoiled the return of right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who was activated in time for the series opener.

While starter Martin Perez allowed three runs across five innings, the bigger collapse came from relief pitcher Connor Thomas.

Thomas allowed 10 hits and 11 runs to cross in just 2 2/3 innings of work, also battling command issues by issuing five walks in one of the worst outings of his career. After the game, the Braves wasted no time making a change to the bullpen.

"The Braves today selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday's game," the team wrote on X.

The #Braves today selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning LHP Connor Thomas to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 28, 2026

Thomas clearly must work on his mechanics before the Braves give him another chance at the big-league level.

He previously pitched for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2025 where he struggled too, allowing 12 runs in 5 1/3 innings, suggesting he may simply not be an arm capable of holding his own in MLB at this point in his career.

Hernandez, who the Braves have brought up to replace Thomas, could be a more dependable option. The 31-year-old brings significantly more big-league experience.

He has pitched for seven seasons in MLB, including five years with the Miami Marlins from 2018 to 2022 where he operated as a starter.

Since then he has reinvented himself as a relief pitcher and has made one appearance for Atlanta this year, tossing three scoreless innings while collecting two strikeouts.

Given what Thomas just delivered in that same role, almost anything Hernandez provides figures to be an improvement.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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