Braves' Martin Perez Headed to Minors

Veteran lefty pitcher loses out to top prospect Didier Fuentes for roster spot

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:21pm

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Martin Perez, a veteran left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, will remain in the organization but start the season at the team's Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett after failing to make the Opening Day roster. Despite a strong spring training performance, Perez was unable to beat out top pitching prospect Didier Fuentes for a spot in the Braves' rotation.

Why it matters

Perez was competing for a spot in the Braves' starting rotation, which has seen significant turnover in recent seasons. His demotion to the minors highlights the depth and talent in the Braves' farm system, as well as the challenges veteran players can face in securing roster spots, even after strong spring showings.

The details

Perez posted a 2.84 ERA and 10:3 K:BB ratio over 12.2 innings in spring training, but the Braves opted to go with the upside of top pitching prospect Didier Fuentes instead. Perez will now head to Triple-A Gwinnett and could be one of the first players called up if further injuries hit the Braves' big-league rotation.

  • Perez will begin the 2026 season at Triple-A Gwinnett.

The players

Martin Perez

A veteran left-handed pitcher who was competing for a spot in the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation.

Didier Fuentes

A top pitching prospect in the Atlanta Braves' farm system who won a spot in the team's starting rotation over Perez.

Mark Bowman

An MLB.com reporter who covered the Braves' roster decisions.

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What they’re saying

“Perez will remain with the Atlanta organization after coming up short in his bid for a spot on the Opening Day roster.”

— Mark Bowman, MLB.com reporter

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to send Perez to the minors despite his strong spring training performance highlights the depth and talent in their farm system, as well as the challenges veteran players can face in securing roster spots, even after solid spring showings.