Full Breakdown
Braves Reinstate Dylan Lee, DFA Carlos Carrasco
4/29/2026, 8:08:19 PM
Lee Returns, Carrasco DFA'd
On April 29, 2026 the Atlanta Braves reinstated left-handed reliever Dylan Lee from the paternity list and designated right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco for assignment, clearing a roster spot for Lee. The move came as the club sought to bolster a bullpen that has been in flux all season.
Bullpen Instability
Nine pitchers have been on the injured list this season, forcing frequent bullpen reshuffles and a need for reliable left-handed options. The injuries have created roster volatility that has required the team to constantly adjust its relief corps.
Key Figures
- Dylan Lee, 31 – left-handed reliever with a 1-0 record, 1.38 ERA, four holds in 13.0 innings over 14 games; manager Walt Weiss calls him the team's best left-handed arm. He has been the most effective left-handed arm in the bullpen this season, providing a reliable option against left-handed hitters.
- Carlos Carrasco, 39 – 17-year veteran who pitched one inning with one strikeout against Washington on April 23; previously appeared three times for Atlanta in 2025 after a contract purchase from the Yankees. His 17-year major-league career includes stints with the Yankees and other clubs, and he returned to Atlanta in 2025 for three appearances after his contract was purchased.
- Walt Weiss – Braves manager overseeing bullpen deployment.
Statistics
The bullpen has nine injured pitchers. Lee’s 2026 line: 1-0, 1.38 ERA, four holds, 13.0 innings. Carrasco’s 2026 line: one inning, one strikeout, no runs. These figures illustrate the contrast between Lee’s strong performance and Carrasco’s limited usage.
Official Response
The Braves posted on X that Lee was reinstated and Carrasco was DFA’d. The club said Carrasco will clear waivers, after which he may be claimed, assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, or released. The statement emphasized the need for flexibility in the bullpen and noted that the waiver process will determine Carrasco’s next assignment.
Impact
Lee’s sub-2.00 ERA provides a reliable left-handed option, addressing the bullpen’s injury-driven shortage and improving matchup flexibility against left-handed hitters in the upcoming Detroit series. His performance is expected to help the team neutralize left-handed power hitters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The #Braves today reinstated LHP Dylan Lee from the paternity list and designated RHP Carlos Carrasco for assignment.” — Atlanta Braves, X post, April 29 2026
Next Steps
Carrasco’s waiver process will determine if another team claims him, if he accepts a Triple-A assignment, or if he seeks release. Lee’s return positions the Braves to counter left-handed hitters in the Detroit series, featuring Kevin McGonigle, Colt Keith, Riley Greene and Kerry Carpenter. The team will monitor the waiver outcome while preparing its pitching staff for the series.
