Martín Pérez Set to Return Against San Diego Padres

The Atlanta Braves' starting rotation has been a point of concern this season with Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver still on the 60-day injured list. 

In an attempt to compensate, they called up one of their young arms in Owen Murphy from Triple-A Gwinnett who would start last Saturday against the Texas Rangers.

Things didn't go the way the Braves hoped when Murphy surrendered five hits, two earned runs and two walks in 2.2 innings of work. As a result, he got the hook from manager Walt Weiss during the third inning for reliever Dylan Dodd.

However, tonight's matchup against the Padres brings some much needed positive news for Atlanta.

Veteran Martín Pérez will come off the 15-day injured list while right-hander RJ Ritchie will be optioned to Triple-A as the corresponding transaction.

“He rebounded well,” Weiss told The Albany Herald. “To be honest, it’s not a terrible thing that he got a little break. Threw 50 innings last year, so I think probably good timing there if there is such a thing for something like that. Chances are he was going to need a break at some point this year anyway.”

Prior to suffering a left forearm contusion on July 5 against the New York Mets, the 35-year-old allowed six hits and four earned runs while striking out just one batter.

Throughout the season, Pérez has compiled a 1.19 WHIP while fanning 62 batters in 81.1 innings pitched.

Moreover, he has delivered in key matchups including the Braves' 9-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 17 when he tossed six scoreless innings, earning four punchouts.

“I told him he’s got a punch card for my office, because I’m always calling him in and telling him we’re changing roles with him," Weiss said, according to Braves beat writer Chad Bishop. Going to and from the bullpen, into the rotation, sometimes late notice based on our need, and he’s done it with a smile. Has been really valuable for us. So, what a pro.”

Before joining Atlanta on a minor-league deal, Pérez spent his career across MLB with the Rangers, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Padres and Chicago White Sox.

Last season for Chicago, he matched his current 3.54 ERA while going 1-6 and collecting 44 strikeouts in 10 games started. Nonetheless, Pérez declined his player option, paving the way for him to eventually become a Brave.

He will be primed for another opportunity to contribute tonight against San Diego right-hander Michael King who is 6-7 while holding a 3.34 ERA and recording 96 strikeouts.