Martin Perez makes interesting postseason case in weekend start

As theAtlanta Braves have surged over the last weekafter sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers, there is one clear question remaining. How the team is going to line up its rotation for postseason action remains a clear point of concern. There isn't one option behind Chris Sale that doesn't come without questions or concerns. This includes veteran southpaw Martin Perez, who has gone from a fringe roster piece at the start of the season to a viable option to eat postseason innings. While you're unlikely to hand Perez the ball in game two, this past weekend showed why he is making a postseason roster.

Perez has the elite ability to wipe away past struggles and reset coming off a frustrating outing against the Milwaukee Brewers, things could've easily snowballed. Instead, the left-hander offered 5.2 innings and struck out six while offering a glimpse of the role he could play if the Braves go deep into a potential postseason series.

The Braves could utilize Perez as an opener or extra-innings option, understanding that in short bursts the starter will have no problem shutting down a lineup. While you're unlikely to get extended innings, there is value in having the starter on a postseason roster, and this was evidenced in Saturday's start.

For Atlanta, it will be interesting to watch how the franchise lines up the rotation over the final month and who comes out on top when it comes to potentially getting the ball in game two. Perez isn't on this list currently, but has cemented himself as a member of the postseason roster.

Braves Can't Help but be Impressed by Martin Perez Continuing to Find Ways to Eat Innings

Perez currently has an ERA of 3.05, eating 121.0 innings, by far the most the pitcher has offered since the 2023 season. It has been a needed level of stability, as Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach have all been dealing with injuries. Seeing the Braves rotation so depleted has left the postseason as a bit of a mystery, even as it has become glaring that this roster has World Series potential.

Every time it appears Perez could be falling off the potential postseason roster, there is a performance like the one offered this weekend serving as a reminder that the southpaw is going to make the decision undeniable.

For the Braves, the final month of the season is going to need to serve as an answer to this concern, hoping to find a surprise game two option with Perez continuing his production and leaving no doubt he is capable of pitching short-term postseason innings.

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