Veteran Pitcher Perez Vying for Braves Rotation Spot

Atlanta manager Walt Weiss confirms non-roster invitee Martin Perez will get a chance to earn the fifth starter role.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 9:07am

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The Atlanta Braves are dealing with early spring training injuries to their pitching staff, and manager Walt Weiss has confirmed that veteran right-hander Martin Perez will get a chance to earn the fifth spot in the team's starting rotation. Perez, a 14-year MLB veteran, signed a minor-league deal with the Braves last month and will compete for the open rotation spot during camp.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation has been hit hard by injuries, with Spencer Schwellenbach already on the 60-day IL and Hurston Waldrep potentially needing elbow surgery. Bringing in an experienced arm like Perez provides valuable rotation depth as the team looks to defend its NL East title.

The details

Perez, 31, is coming off a 2025 season with the Chicago White Sox in which he posted a 3.54 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 11 appearances, 10 of them starts. He missed time due to left elbow inflammation and a left shoulder strain. Weiss praised Perez's durability and ability to "keep posting" despite his age and injury history, noting the value of that in today's game.

  • Perez signed a minor-league deal with the Braves last month.
  • Weiss confirmed Perez will get a chance to earn the fifth rotation spot during spring training on February 17, 2026.

The players

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Martin Perez

A 14-year MLB veteran pitcher who signed a minor-league deal with the Braves and will compete for a rotation spot during spring training.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves pitcher who is already on the 60-day injured list with elbow inflammation.

Hurston Waldrep

A Braves pitcher who is dealing with loose bodies in his elbow and may need surgery.

Chris Sale

One of the four Braves pitchers currently locked into a rotation spot.

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What they’re saying

“Martin's one of those guys, man. And he just keeps doing it. Put together a really nice career and had a good year last year. So, he's going to get a look, and that's why he's here.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager

“It's just the nature of the game right now. It's a tough league. I played 14 years. I'd probably have a tough time doing that in this day and age. It's just once you get along in your career, it gets tougher and tougher.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager

What’s next

The Braves are hoping to get an update on Hurston Waldrep's elbow injury status sometime this week, which could further impact the team's rotation plans.

The takeaway

With multiple injuries already impacting their pitching staff, the Braves are wisely bringing in a veteran like Martin Perez on a minor-league deal to provide rotation depth and competition this spring. Perez's durability and past success could make him a valuable addition if he can earn a spot on the Opening Day roster.