Braves Designate Veteran Pitcher Martin Pérez, Recall Dylan Dodd

Atlanta shuffles its pitching staff to bring a fresh arm for Sunday's game.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the strategic roster moves made by the Atlanta Braves.The Braves' roster shuffle aims to sharpen their pitching staff for the challenges ahead.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves have designated veteran pitcher Martin Pérez for assignment and recalled left-handed reliever Dylan Dodd from Triple-A Gwinnett. Pérez, who the team signed as a minor league free agent, made three appearances for the Braves, including two starts, but was struggling with a 0.907 WHIP despite limited strikeouts. Dodd, who had minor league options remaining, will provide another left-handed option in the Braves' bullpen.

Why it matters

The Braves are making roster moves to shore up their pitching staff ahead of a key series. Pérez's designation suggests the team is looking for more production from their rotation, while Dodd's recall adds depth to the bullpen as the team navigates an upcoming stretch without needing a fifth starter.

The details

Pérez, a 16-year MLB veteran, had a 0.907 WHIP in 14.1 innings pitched for the Braves, but only struck out six batters. If he clears waivers, the Braves may try to keep him in the minors as rotation depth. Dodd pitched in 28 games out of the Braves' bullpen last season and will now get another opportunity at the big league level.

  • On April 12, 2026, the Braves designated Martin Pérez for assignment.

The players

Martin Pérez

A 16-year MLB veteran pitcher who the Braves signed as a minor league free agent and recently called up to the big league roster.

Dylan Dodd

A left-handed relief pitcher who the Braves have recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to add depth to their bullpen.

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What’s next

The Braves don't need a fifth starter for another 10 days, at which time they will need to make another roster move. Pérez could clear waivers and be stashed at Triple-A, while starter Spencer Strider may also be activated from the IL by that time.

The takeaway

The Braves are making proactive roster moves to optimize their pitching staff as they navigate an upcoming stretch without needing a fifth starter. The designation of veteran Pérez and recall of Dodd suggest the team is looking to find the right mix of production and depth in both the rotation and bullpen.