With three games remaining before the 2026 MLB postseason begins, the Atlanta Braves will be missing one of their starting pitchers through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Martín Pérez was placed on the 15-day injured list with low back inflammation, the Braves announced on Thursday. Atlanta was able to backdate Pérez’s IL stint to Sept. 21, which means he will be eligible to return on Oct. 6. Game 3 of the National League Division Series is scheduled for that date.
Pérez felt discomfort in his back during Sunday’s 4-2 win overthe Houston Astros, according to Braves manager Walt Weiss. The left-hander pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run and 6 hits with 2 strikeouts and 2 walks.
With a best-of-three format in the wild-card round, the Braves likely wouldn’t have used Pérez as a starter. Perhaps he would have pitched in long relief. But Atlanta is expected to start Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle in the first two games of the wild-card series, with Grant Holmes getting the nod in Game 3, if necessary.
However, if the Braves make a deeper run into the playoffs, Pérez’s absence could be an issue as postseason series get longer and pitching staffs get worn down. If he ends up returning by the NLDS, Atlanta will probably consider that an acceptable outcome.
Pérez signed a minor-league deal with the Braves in January before winning a rotation spot in spring training. In 26 starts (30 appearances), he has compiled a 3.09 ERA with 102 strikeouts and 65 walks in 142 innings. That is his highest innings total since 2022.
The staff doesn’t have many other starting pitchers. Bryce Elder is on the IL after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and the hope is that he can return around the same time as Pérez. Reynaldo López is also sidelined with right shoulder inflammation with a possibility of returning later in the postseason.
If those options aren’t eventually available, Atlanta will have to use JR Ritchie as a fourth starter. He has compiled a 4.79 ERA in 16 appearances (10 starts) with 66 strikeouts and 41 walks in 67 2/3 innings. Other possibilities are AJ Smith-Shawver (five starts this season, 6.43 ERA) or using multiple pitchers in bullpen games.
To take on the active roster, Elieser Hernández was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. In 25 appearances (12 starts), he has a 4.64 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 85 1/3 innings.
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