Braves quickly bring Martin Perez back to bolster battered rotation

Atlanta Braves pitcher Martin Perez. Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Braves quickly bring Martin Perez back to bolster battered rotation

By David Hill | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 7:01 PM ET

Martin Perez did not need to wait long for his next opportunity with the Atlanta Braves.

The Braves had designated Perez for assignment on Sunday after he allowed one run on two hits and three walks over five innings with a pair of strikeouts on Saturday.

He was quickly brought back into the organization as Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Perez cleared waivers and returned to Atlanta on a minor league deal.

Perez had made a trio of solid, albeit unspectacular, appearances for the Braves this season. He has posted a 3.14 ERA and a 0.907 WHIP over his 14.1 innings, striking out six batters with four walks.

Martin Perez cleared waivers yesterday, elected free agency and has signed back with Braves on a minor league deal
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 15, 2026

Martin Perez may ride DFA carousel for Braves

The Braves need as much rotation depth as they can get. Pitchers Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, AJ Smith-Shawver and Joey Wentz are on the injured list, leaving the Braves with essentially a rotation's worth of pitchers on the sideline.

While pitching prospects Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie could be options, neither has a track record of major league success. Ritchie is not on the 40-man roster and has yet to make his major league debut. Although he is no longer an All-Star-caliber pitcher, Perez can be a steady option in the back of the Braves rotation.

This may not be the last time Perez is brought back after being designated for assignment. The Braves have a history of cycling pitchers through the DFA carousel, most notably with former reliever Jesse Chavez. Perez may find himself in a similar situation with the Braves as they look to manage their pitching staff.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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