Braves Demote Player After Loss to Rangers

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Braves Demote Player After Loss to Rangers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 19, 2026 11:20 AM ET

The Atlanta Braves reshuffled their pitching staff following Saturday's 7-6 loss to the Texas Rangers , optioning rookie right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett. The move came one day after Murphy made his first start of his major league career.

Atlanta also selected the contract of veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández from Triple-A Gwinnett, giving manager Walt Weiss a fresh arm after the Braves relied heavily on their bullpen during Saturday's defeat.

Murphy made three major league appearances this season, including Saturday's start in which he allowed three runs, two earned, over 2.2 innings while striking out two and walking two. He owns a 4.05 ERA with six strikeouts across 6.2 innings this year.

The #Braves today selected RHP Elieser Hernández to the major league roster after optioning RHP Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 19, 2026

Hernández returns after spending the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted a 4.83 ERA with a 1.51 WHIP and 72 strikeouts over 76.1 innings in 20 appearances, including 11 starts.

Atlanta did not need a corresponding 40-man roster move because it already had an open roster spot. Hernández now provides valuable multi-inning depth after the Braves used seven relievers in Saturday's loss.

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss (22)Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Braves entered Sunday's game with a 55-41 record, leading the National League East despite splitting the first two games of their series against the Rangers. Sunday's roster move gives Atlanta a fresh bullpen arm as it looks to secure the series victory.

Murphy will continue his development at Triple-A after gaining his first major league experience, while Hernández will try to provide dependable innings as the Braves continue their push atop the National League East.

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

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