Braves Bring Back All-Star Starter, Delaying Prospects' Debuts

The Braves' decision to re-sign Martin Perez could impact the timelines for top pitching prospects Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, capturing the complexity of the Braves' pitching staff management.The Braves' complex pitching decisions could delay the debuts of their top pitching prospects.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves have re-signed veteran left-handed starter Martin Perez after he cleared waivers, likely delaying the debuts of top pitching prospects Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie. The move comes as the Braves continue to manage injuries to their pitching staff early in the season. Perez's return could mean more time in the minors for Fuentes and Ritchie, who have been performing well at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Why it matters

The Braves have been relying on veteran arms to fill out their rotation as they navigate early-season injuries. Bringing back Perez suggests the team wants to lean on experienced starters rather than rushing their top prospects to the majors, at least for now. This decision could have significant implications for Fuentes and Ritchie's development and timeline to the big leagues.

The details

The Braves designated Perez for assignment over the weekend but have now re-signed him to a minor league deal after he cleared waivers. This move likely means Perez will be called up to make his next scheduled start, which would come this weekend against the Phillies. The looming return of Spencer Strider from injury further complicates the Braves' pitching plans and could push Fuentes and Ritchie's debuts even further down the line.

  • The Braves designated Perez for assignment over the weekend.
  • Perez cleared waivers on Wednesday and re-signed with the Braves on a minor league deal.
  • Strider is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday, with the aim of throwing 45-50 pitches.

The players

Martin Perez

A veteran left-handed starting pitcher who the Braves have re-signed after designating him for assignment.

Didier Fuentes

A top pitching prospect in the Braves' farm system who has been performing well at Triple-A Gwinnett.

JR Ritchie

Another top pitching prospect in the Braves' farm system who has been impressing at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Spencer Strider

A Braves starting pitcher who is set to begin a rehab assignment as he recovers from injury.

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What they’re saying

“The Atlanta Braves opt for the expected move regarding Spencer Strider's rehab assignment. The plan is for Murphy to catch him during his start. He's still scheduled for his rehab assignment to begin on Thursday. The aim is for him to throw between 45 and 50 pitches.”

— Harrison Smajovitts, SI Writer

“Martin Perez cleared waivers yesterday, elected free agency and has signed back with Braves on a minor league deal.”

— Jon Heyman, MLB Insider

What’s next

If Perez is called up to make his next start, it could push Fuentes and Ritchie's debuts with the Braves even further down the line as the team continues to rely on veteran arms. The return of Strider from injury will also factor into the Braves' pitching plans moving forward.

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to re-sign Martin Perez after designating him for assignment highlights the team's preference for experienced starters over rushing their top pitching prospects to the majors at this stage of the season. This move could significantly impact the timelines for Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie to make their MLB debuts with the Braves.