The Braves fell to the Mets on Sunday afternoon in a thriller — one that started with a flurry of runs, went quiet for a stretch, and then exploded for 11 combined runs in the ninth inning alone.
Martin Perez got the start for Atlanta, the latest twist in a wild ride through his 15th season. After signing a minor-league contract during the offseason, he originally looked like a long shot to even make the roster, but a couple of Spring Training injuries to other arms opened the door — and Perez ran with the opportunity, posting a 2.78 ERA over his first 15 outings.
His last three starts, however, are probably a lot more indicative of the pitcher he is at this point in his career. He’s a fine option for a spot start and can eat innings when needed, but relying on him as your second or third starter is not a place any team wants to be. That’s been the reality in Atlanta for most of the season, and now Perez could be dealing with a significant injury after being struck by a line drive off the bat of Juan Soto.
He is headed to the IL, and while the Braves don’t believe the forearm is fractured, further imaging is needed.
Weiss says he doesn’t believe Martin Perez’s forearm is fractured, but more imaging is likely needed. He will go on the IL.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 5, 2026
It’s another major shakeup to a rotation searching for an identity beyond Chris Sale — one that might have been coming even if Perez had stayed healthy.
Hurston Waldrep and Reynaldo Lopez inspired a brief bit of confidence this past week, but there’s no telling how much of it is sustainable from either of them. AJ Smith-Shawver, meanwhile, looked outstanding on the farm last night, hitting triple digits on the radar gun over four scoreless innings as he continues his rehab assignment. He could eventually become a quality addition to the group — but again, the Braves simply don’t know what they have in any of these arms right now, and the uncertainty is taking a toll on the staff as a whole.
It leaves them at a crossroads: the next few weeks could hand the Braves some much-needed clarity, or they could pile on even more questions heading into a trade deadline where they should be aggressively pursuing every starting pitcher who comes available.
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