Braves DFA Starting Pitcher, Rotation Spot Opens Up

Atlanta designates Martín Pérez for assignment, calls up Dylan Dodd to fill rotation spot

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:11pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conceptually representing the complexities of managing a pitching rotation.The Braves' rotation shake-up exposes the complex, multi-faceted challenges of maintaining a winning pitching staff in Major League Baseball.Cleveland Today

The Atlanta Braves have designated left-handed starting pitcher Martín Pérez for assignment, opening up a spot in their starting rotation. Manager Walt Weiss said the move was made to bring in more immediate pitching help, with Dylan Dodd being called up to take Pérez's place on the active roster. This comes ahead of the Braves' rubber match against the Cleveland Guardians.

Why it matters

The Braves' starting rotation has been in flux early in the season, with injuries and performance issues leading to multiple changes. This move to DFA Pérez signals the team's desire to find a more reliable option to fill out the back end of their rotation.

The details

Pérez made two starts for the Braves this season, pitching five innings and allowing one run in his most recent outing. With the Braves needing more immediate pitching help, they have opted to go with the 24-year-old Dodd, who was called up from Triple-A. The team's rotation is set through Tuesday, with Chris Sale, Grant Holmes, and Reynaldo López scheduled to start. Weiss said that Spencer Strider, who is recovering from an oblique injury, is expected to make rehab starts later this month but is not an option for the time being.

  • On Saturday, Pérez was the starting pitcher in the Braves' 6-0 loss to the Guardians.
  • Dodd was called up to the major league roster to take Pérez's place.

The players

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Martín Pérez

A left-handed starting pitcher who was designated for assignment by the Braves.

Dylan Dodd

A 24-year-old left-handed pitcher who was called up from Triple-A to join the Braves' active roster.

Spencer Strider

A Braves pitcher who is recovering from an oblique injury and expected to make rehab starts later this month.

Chris Sale

A starting pitcher scheduled to take the mound for the Braves on Sunday.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Braves will continue to evaluate their rotation options in the coming days, with Weiss indicating that Didier Fuentes could be a candidate to rejoin the major league club sometime this week.

The takeaway

The Braves' decision to DFA Pérez and call up Dodd reflects the team's ongoing efforts to solidify their starting rotation early in the season. With injuries and performance issues impacting their pitching staff, the Braves are looking to find the right mix of arms to keep them competitive in the NL East.