Braves Get Another Strong Start From Martin Perez as Pitching Leads the Way
The Atlanta Braves continue to receive valuable contributions from veteran left-hander Martin Perez, who delivered another impressive outing Saturday as the team picked up an important victory.
Perez tossed 5.2 innings of one-run baseball, striking out six batters while helping the Braves secure a 4-2 win. His performance was another reminder of how important his innings have become for Atlanta during the 2026 season.
Perez entered the year with no guarantee of making the Braves’ roster and was even designated for assignment earlier in the season. Despite those setbacks, he has emerged as a reliable option for the pitching staff.
Through 121 innings this season, Perez has posted a 3.05 ERA. While some of his underlying numbers suggest he has benefited from some good fortune, his ability to consistently take the ball and keep runs off the scoreboard has provided significant value to Atlanta.
His 4.18 FIP and 4.25 xFIP indicate that his performance has not necessarily matched the quality suggested by his ERA. However, the innings he has provided have already been banked, and that production has helped the Braves remain competitive.
The Braves have also received encouraging performances from their offense. Matt Olson and Mike Yastrzemski both homered in the team’s 4-2 victory, providing enough offense to complement the strong pitching.
Braves Continue to Monitor AJ Smith-Shawver
There is also optimism surrounding AJ Smith-Shawver’s future as a starting pitcher.
Prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen continues to believe Smith-Shawver has the tools to remain in the rotation. Despite being rushed earlier in his career and dealing with injuries, Longenhagen believes the young right-hander has the physical build and movement to succeed as a starter.
Smith-Shawver’s development will remain an important storyline for Atlanta as the organization looks toward the future of its rotation.
Around MLB
Several notable developments around Major League Baseball also emerged Saturday.
The New York Mets placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers, potentially giving other teams an opportunity to acquire an established major-league talent.
Shohei Ohtani’s next scheduled pitching start was also delayed because of knee discomfort, while the Mets activated superstar Juan Soto from the 10-day injured list.
For the Braves, however, the immediate focus remains on getting quality innings from their pitching staff and finding enough offense to support it. Perez’s latest outing showed just how valuable dependable starting pitching can be as Atlanta continues its push through the final stretch of the regular season.
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