Braves Keeping Suarez, Pérez on Roster Through D-backs Series

Atlanta's starting pitching depth tested by injuries, but team expects both lefties to be available for Sunday's game against Arizona.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:56am

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The Atlanta Braves will keep left-handed pitchers José Suarez and Martín Pérez on their roster through the upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, despite both being unavailable for a couple of days after recent outings. Manager Walt Weiss said the team expects to have both Suárez and Pérez available for Sunday's game against the D-backs, with Osvaldo Bido also an option to provide multiple innings of relief.

Why it matters

The Braves have dealt with a rash of early-season injuries to their starting rotation, including to Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, Hurston Waldrep and Joey Wentz. Keeping Suárez and Pérez on the roster gives the team added pitching depth as they navigate through this challenging stretch.

The details

Suárez started Tuesday's game against the Athletics, allowing four runs over 3.2 innings. Pérez then entered in the fourth inning and delivered 4.1 scoreless frames in relief during the 5-2 loss. Despite both pitchers being unavailable for a couple of days, Weiss said the team expects to have them on the roster for Sunday's game against the Diamondbacks. Weiss declined to name a starter for that game, saying the team will continue evaluating its options and that a 'third option could emerge'.

  • On April 1, 2026, the Braves faced the Athletics.
  • The Braves will play the Diamondbacks on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The players

José Suarez

A left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Martín Pérez

A left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently injured.

Spencer Strider

A pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently injured.

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What they’re saying

“We have (Osvaldo) Bido, who can go multiple (innings). It's nice having Chris Sale on the mound (Wednesday). We've got to walk that tightrope with Perez and Jose Suarez out of the picture here for a little while. I think we'll be fine... we should be able to handle it.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

“As we sit here today, (Suárez and Pérez) are the most likely options.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

What’s next

The Braves will finish their series against the Athletics before heading west for four games against the Arizona Diamondbacks and three against the Los Angeles Angels.

The takeaway

The Braves' starting pitching depth has been tested early in the season due to injuries, but the team is confident it can navigate the upcoming schedule by keeping Suárez and Pérez on the roster, even if they are temporarily unavailable. The team's ability to adapt and find solutions will be crucial as they look to maintain their position atop the NL East.