Braves' Martin Perez 'not happy' about DFA but re-signed as 'best option'

The veteran lefty threw six shutout innings in his first start since re-signing with Atlanta.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:56am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, forest green, and burnt orange, conveying the fractured, multi-perspective nature of the sport.Perez's strong outing after being DFA'd showcases the Braves' pitching depth as they chase another NL East title.Atlanta Today

Atlanta Braves left-hander Martin Perez was designated for assignment on April 12 but elected free agency and re-signed with the team, noting it was the 'best option' after talking to his agent. Perez, a former All-Star in 2022, was 'not happy' with the Braves' decision to DFA him but pitched six shutout innings in his first start since re-signing, helping the Braves to a 9-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday.

Why it matters

Perez's strong performance after being DFA'd may force the Braves to keep him on the roster, providing depth to their pitching staff as they await the return of right-hander Spencer Strider. The Braves' win over the struggling Phillies also keeps them atop the NL East division standings.

The details

In his first start since re-signing with the Braves, Perez threw six shutout innings, walked two, struck out four, and surrendered four hits. The Braves used only two pitchers in the 9-0 win, with left-hander Jose Suarez throwing the final three innings. Perez has pitched well for the Braves this season, going 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 20.1 innings across four games (three starts).

  • Perez was designated for assignment by the Braves on April 12.
  • Perez re-signed with the Braves and made his first start on April 18.

The players

Martin Perez

A veteran left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was designated for assignment on April 12 but re-signed with the team, noting it was the 'best option' after talking to his agent.

Jose Suarez

A left-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who threw the final three innings of the team's 9-0 shutout win over the Philadelphia Phillies on April 18.

Spencer Strider

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently sidelined and awaiting his return to the team's rotation.

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What they’re saying

“It was tough for me because I was not happy with the decision, but I'm a professional and talked to my agent and ... the best option was Atlanta. I don't even know I'm gonna start tonight. They told me Wednesday. I clicked my mind and went, 'OK time to go again.'”

— Martin Perez, Atlanta Braves pitcher

What’s next

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The takeaway

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