While the Philadelphia Phillies have lost three straight games, their divisional opponent, the Atlanta Braves, have now won three straight after their shutout (9-0) of the Phillies on Friday. The Braves received a standout performance from every facet of their roster, while the Phillies’ offense (6-for-33) continues to struggle. The Phillies left 11 men on base and 0-4 with runners in scoring position.
The highlight for the Braves in their win was left-hander Martin Perez shutting down the Phillies’ offense after being designated for assignment on April 12. In his first start since re-signing, the former All-Star (2022) threw six shutout innings, walked two, struck out four, and surrendered four hits.
Electing free agency after clearing outright waivers, Perez would re-sign with the Braves, noting it was the “best option.”
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Martin Perez reveals he was “not happy” about the Atlanta Braves’ decision to DFA him
“It was tough for me because I was not happy with the decision,” Perez told Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “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.’”
Despite being designated for assignment, Perez has pitched very well for the Braves. In four games (three starts), Perez is 1-1 with a 2.21 ERA and struck out 10 in 20.1 innings.
Perez’s performance as of late may force the Braves to keep him around and not risk him going through waivers again. Using only two pitchers in Friday’s win — the Braves also used left-hander Jose Suarez (three innings) — the Braves’ bullpen should be well rested for Saturday.
This should also help Perez stick around to make another start, as the Braves still need innings to fill until right-hander Spencer Strider returns.
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