Braves Shift Perez to Long Relief Role

Veteran pitcher Martin Perez loses out on rotation spot to Jose Suarez

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:19pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complexity and dynamism of the Braves' pitching decisions.The Braves' pitching rotation shuffle highlights the team's evolving approach to player development and the delicate balance between veteran experience and youthful potential.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves have decided to move veteran pitcher Martin Perez to a long relief role, rather than slotting him into the team's open fifth rotation spot. Instead, the Braves will turn to Jose Suarez to fill the vacant rotation position.

Why it matters

Perez was seen as the leading candidate to take over the Braves' fifth starter job after the team optioned Didier Fuentes to the minors. However, manager Walt Weiss has opted to go with the younger Suarez, potentially signaling a shift in the Braves' pitching plans for the season.

The details

Perez's contract was selected by the Braves from their Triple-A affiliate Gwinnett on Monday, but he will now serve as a long relief option out of the bullpen rather than joining the starting rotation. Suarez, who did not pitch in the Braves' first four games, will instead take over the vacant fifth starter role.

  • The Braves optioned Didier Fuentes to Gwinnett on Monday.
  • Perez's contract was selected from Gwinnett on Monday.

The players

Martin Perez

A veteran pitcher who was expected to compete for the Braves' fifth rotation spot.

Jose Suarez

A younger pitcher who will now take over the Braves' vacant fifth starter role.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Didier Fuentes

A pitcher who was optioned to the minors by the Braves on Monday.

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What they’re saying

“Atlanta selected Perez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, and he appeared to be the leading candidate for the club's vacant fifth rotation spot. Instead, manager Walt Weiss turned to Jose Suarez, who wasn't used out of the bullpen in the Braves' first four games of the season, to fill the open slot.”

— Chad Bishop

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor their pitching staff as the season progresses, and it remains to be seen whether Perez or Suarez will ultimately secure the fifth starter role.

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to shift Perez to a long relief role and give the fifth starter job to the younger Suarez suggests the team is looking to the future and may be prioritizing development over immediate veteran experience in their pitching rotation.