A continual debate that Atlanta Braves decision-makers are being forced into having in the 2026 season is how to manage a rotation overwhelmed with options. Already, we’ve seen both Reynaldo Lopez and Didier Fuentes demoted to Atlanta’s bullpen due to better options. Veteran starter Martin Perez has been utilized in both roles, with Spencer Strider’s return appearing to push the lefty back into a relief role.

Atlanta called on Perez after getting limited innings from JR Ritchie Wednesday night, and the aging starter delivered, working a scoreless frame while striking out two. It was a reminder of the continued flexibility of Perez and why the Braves should again consider giving Perez another turn in the rotation.

Combining the results from both starting and relief appearances, Perez has offered 34.0 innings, giving up only nine earned runs and striking out 24. While the veteran isn’t going to blow anyone away with his velocity, there is a crafty ability to find ways to get deep into games and give the Braves’ offense a chance to take control.

Braves Should Consider Giving Martin Perez Another Opportunity in Atlanta Rotation

While it will be impossible to argue Perez is deserving of an opportunity when the roster is fully healthy, the Braves have a clear arm to demote. Grant Holmes is struggling, and gives Atlanta a clear option to push to the bullpen and allow Perez a chance to see if he can continue the early-season momentum.

This will obviously be short-lived with the franchise still expecting Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach to return at some point in the 2026 season. Perez is inevitably going to be in the Atlanta bullpen or demoted off the roster completely, barring injuries or a collapse from the current starting options.

Still, this doesn’t wipe away the fact that the left-hander has done everything reasonably possible to earn another turn in the rotation. Atlanta should at least consider the move, as Perez has more consistently offered the team a chance to win than Holmes has over the last month of the 2026 season.

It should also be noted that the Braves could use this to build up the value of Perez and turn the starter into a potential trade chip ahead of this year’s deadline. Teams are always looking for additional pitching, and if Perez performs at his current level, it isn’t unthinkable that the starter could become a potential asset.

With all of this in mind, the Braves should give Perez another turn in the rotation, understanding that it both helps the team long-term and has clearly been earned with a surprising performance so far this season.

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