The Atlanta Braves added a player back to the organization.
The Atlanta Braves made a pitching move on Thursday, re-signing Martin Perez to a new minor-league contract. Atlanta is preparing for a key National League East divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies this weekend.
Veteran left-hander Martin Perez is returning to the organization just days after being removed from the active roster. “Martin Perez cleared waivers yesterday, elected free agency and has signed back with Braves on a minor league deal,” reported Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
Despite the minor-league contract, the Braves are ready to bring Perez right back to the majors. Manager Walt Weiss told reporters that the 35-year-old southpaw is expected to start Friday’s series opener, giving Atlanta an experienced arm as they navigate a stretch of heavy bullpen usage.
The decision comes after a busy transactional sequence that began when the Braves designated Perez for assignment on Sunday. He cleared outright waivers, elected free agency and then re-signed with Atlanta, a process that allowed the club to temporarily carry a nine-man bullpen for a few games.
The risk, of course, was that another team could have claimed Perez during waivers, but Atlanta ultimately retained him. Perez has made three appearances for the Braves this season and delivered respectable results, allowing five runs across 14 1/3 innings.
His strikeout numbers have been low, with just six strikeouts, but his ability to cover innings has been valuable for a rotation that has needed flexibility. His return also gives the Braves an opportunity to provide extra rest to their other starters. It also provides some insurance for Atlanta in the meantime while Spencer Strider works his way back to the rotation. Strider is currently on a rehab assignment, expected to return in May.
Perez brings 15 years of MLB experience to the staff and Atlanta is his seventh organization. Over the course of his career, he owns a 4.40 ERA, has earned one All-Star selection and won a World Series title with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
His veteran presence and durability have long been his calling cards, and the Braves are banking on both as they enter a crucial stretch of their schedule. Atlanta is currently first in the division with a 12-7 record.
For a team looking to stabilize its pitching and stay on top in a tight NL East race, Perez’s return offers needed depth and familiarity. Atlanta hopes the move pays off immediately as they turn their attention to Philadelphia.