While the Atlanta Braves have yet to announce a clear return date for Spencer Strider, it is clear the starter is nearing a return and will take the final spot in Atlanta's rotation. Through the first weeks of the season, Martin Perez and Jose Suarez filled the void at the bottom of the rotation. However, things took a bit of a turn over the weekend with Atlanta designating Perez for assignment and calling up Dylan Dodd, who would work the final three innings of Sunday's win, earning his first career save.
Optioning Perez is a bit of a surprise as the veteran starter had worked 14.1 innings, allowing five earned runs. Four of these runs came in his second outing, while he offered solid production in the other two appearances. Still, it seems the Braves are content turning the page, as MLB's Mark Bowman noted that off days will allow the team to move forward with a four-man rotation over the next few days of the season.
This is an odd decision as Perez was giving you productive innings, and you are not yet ready to promote Didier Fuentes or Strider to make his return from injury. Atlanta allowing Perez to eat innings and help keep their starters healthy appears to be the wiser plan from the outside. The coaching staff and front office thought otherwise, though.
Braves Make Odd Decision Demoting Martin Perez Before Spencer Strider's Return
Chris Sale is 37, and you have two former bullpen arms, Grant Holmes and Reynaldo Lopez, without a lot of starting experience. Add in that both of these former relievers are coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season, and it would seem that an extra off day and saving innings in anticipation of the postseason would be the wiser move.
Strider should return soon, likely leaving Perez another start or two to help save the bullpen and give the rotation extra rest. Demoting the veteran after he pitched 5.0 innings against the Cleveland Guardians, while only giving up a lone run, is especially puzzling.
Regardless, it seems that Atlanta is content moving forward with its current rotation, understanding that Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach are all on their way back. Parting ways with Perez was inevitable, even if the timing of the Braves' decision to make the move seems odd at face value.
For Perez, it is a frustrating setback, but it is unlikely to be the last time the starter gets a chance this season. Whether it is with Atlanta or in a new landing spot, the three appearances so far this season have been productive enough to garner another chance.
Atlanta appears to believe it is better off with more bullpen depth and a four-man rotation that hopes to stay healthy and hold out until upcoming reinforcements are ready to return.