Martín Pérez
Breakdown
Performance
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April 1, 2026
Could move into rotation
Perez may replace Jose Suarez when Atlanta next needs a fifth starter Sunday against the Diamondbacks, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
While Suarez struggled in his start Tuesday and lasted just 3.2 innings, Perez saved the rest of the bullpen by tossing 4.1 scoreless innings of relief on only 47 pitches, allowing just two hits with a 3:0 K:BB in his season debut. Manager Walt Weiss has yet to tip his hand on which of them will get the nod Sunday, but Perez's performance likely makes him the favorite.
March 31, 2026
Won't start Tuesday
Perez is expected to be available in relief for Tuesday's game against the Athletics with Jose Suarez being named Atlanta's starter, Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Analysis
After Atlanta selected Perez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, the veteran lefty appeared to be the most likely candidate to fill the vacant fifth spot in the rotation. Instead, manager Walt Weiss will call upon Suarez, who wasn't needed out of the bullpen in the first four games of the season. Perez will take Suarez's place as a long-relief option, but with Atlanta not getting its first day off this season until April 9, there could be plenty of work available for him over the next week-plus.
March 30, 2026
Likely to start Tuesday's game
Atlanta selected Perez's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Analysis
The veteran left-hander is a good bet to start Tuesday's game against the Athletics, though Jose Suarez is also an option. Perez put together a nice Grapefruit League showing with a 2.84 ERA and 10:3 K:BB over 12.2 innings. He could hold down a spot in Atlanta's rotation until Spencer Strider (oblique) is ready to go.
