Braves’ pitching receives huge injury update

The Atlanta Braves received an encouraging pitching update Saturday as Martin Perez moved closer to rejoining their rotation. Perez could return during the upcoming series vs. the San Diego Padres, giving Atlanta another dependable option for the second half.

The veteran left-hander has remained on the injured list since July 6 with a left forearm contusion. A Juan Soto line drive struck Perez during a July 5 loss to the New York Mets, forcing him from the game.

Tests revealed no fracture, allowing Perez to avoid a longer recovery. Before the injury, he provided steady innings with a 6-6 record, 3.54 ERA, and 1.19 WHIP across 81 1/3 innings.

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman shared the latest development Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, offering insight into when the 35-year-old lefty could rejoin the Braves’ rotation.

“Weiss said Martin Perez could return soon. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him start Wednesday night’s game against the Padres”

A Wednesday start would return the southpaw to the rotation shortly after he completes the minimum injured list stay. The club has yet to officially announce its probable pitcher for that matchup.

Still, the update brings welcome progress for a pitching staff managing several injuries. Spencer Strider remains sidelined with right elbow inflammation and has no firm return timetable.

Spencer Schwellenbach also continues a lengthy recovery after undergoing elbow surgery in February. Without those two right-handers, the team has leaned heavily on Chris Sale and its available starters.

Perez does not possess the overpowering profile of Strider or Schwellenbach. However, his return would give the Braves an experienced starter capable of covering innings during a demanding stretch.

For the NL East leaders, the timing also matters. The Braves enter Saturday at 56-40 after opening the second half with a dominant 15-1 victory vs. the Texas Rangers on Friday night. They can secure the three-game series with another win Saturday.

For now, Atlanta must still evaluate how Perez’s forearm responds before activating him. Nevertheless, Wednesday appears to be a realistic target, giving the Braves their clearest positive rotation development in weeks.