Braves DFAs Carlos Carrasco once again

The Atlanta Braves signed Carlos Carrasco to a minor-league contract and eventually called him back up to the big leagues. However, they designated Carrasco for assignment once again, according to a post on X by the Atlanta Braves.

“The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and designated RHP Carlos Carrasco for assignment.”

Carrasco is a 17-year veteran of Major League Baseball. He has never earned an All-Star berth, but finished fourth in the AL Cy Young race back in 2017.

Carlos Carrasco hasn’t been able to stick with the Braves

After 11 years with the Guardians franchise, Carrasco played for the Mets for three seasons from 2021-23. He rejoined Cleveland in 2024 before pitching for the Yankees and Braves in 2025.

The Braves used him for 13.2 innings and three starting assignments down the stretch, and the results weren’t good. Carrasco got lit up for 15 earned runs.

This year, Carrasco worked 7.1 innings in four relief appearances. He allowed six hits and two runs with no walks and four strikeouts.

Could this be the swan song for the 39-year-old right-hander?

Meanwhile, the Braves are doing just fine. They currently stand at 38-19, holding an 8.5 game lead over the Phillies in the National League East, heading into Friday’s games.

New manager Walt Weiss has been pulling the right strings. He has helped the team overcome massive pitching injuries. Perhaps his perseverance will pay off, as the Braves recently got good news about their staff, according to a pair of posts on X by Grant McAuley.

“Spencer Schwellenbach told me he started throwing 5 days ago – flat ground at 60 ft. every other day. He’ll throw at that distance for 2 weeks then 2 weeks at 75 ft. before hopefully getting on the mound. He feels really good and is very encouraged by the early sessions.”

And for AJ Smith-Shaver, there has been progress, too.

“Walt Weiss said AJ Smith-Shawver is coming along well in his rehab. He is throwing bullpens with high intensity. Next step is throwing to hitters, then they can sketch out a timeline for returning to the rotation. Hurston Waldrep is basically in the exact same step.”