Braves Pitcher Martín Pérez Likely to Land on Injured List After Soto Line Drive

During the Atlanta Braves' 10-9 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday, a line drive off the bat of Juan Soto struck left-handed starter Martín Pérez on his left forearm in the fifth inning. Pérez retired Soto and the final nine batters he faced before exiting with two outs. He left the game after allowing six hits, five runs (four earned), two walks and one strikeout over 4 1/3 innings.

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The 35-year-old right-hander Martín Pérez entered the season with a 6-5 record, a 3.77 ERA, 61 strikeouts, 29 walks and a 1.16 WHIP across 77 innings. Prior to the incident he was a regular member of the Braves’ six-man rotation.

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Atlanta’s rotation has been depleted by injuries: Spencer Schwellenbach missed the season after elbow surgery, Spencer Strider has made only eight starts due to an oblique strain and elbow inflammation, and both AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery) and Joey Wentz (ACL tear) remain unavailable. The bullpen, reduced to seven relievers, has been operating with a six-man rotation, prompting the team to consider adding a reliever if Pérez moves to the IL.

Braves Likely Placing Starter on IL

Manager Walt Weiss said X-rays of Pérez’s forearm were negative, but additional imaging was planned. He emphasized that the injury does not appear to be a fracture, yet the impact on Pérez’s throwing arm makes an IL stint probable. Weiss added that Pérez would not be able to make his next scheduled start, and the club expects to place him on the 15-day injured list.

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• Game performance: 4 1/3 innings, 6 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, 1 strikeout.

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• Season to date: 6-5 record, 3.77 ERA, 61 K, 29 BB, 1.16 WHIP, 77 IP.

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• Bullpen status: currently seven relievers; an IL move could restore an eight-man bullpen.

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Weiss indicated the roster spot opened by Pérez’s IL placement would likely be filled by a reliever, allowing the bullpen to return to eight arms. Right-hander JR Ritchie, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier in the day, is expected to be recalled to the rotation as a replacement.

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• “It's probably an IL,” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager

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• “He's not going to be able to make his next start.” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager

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• “I don't think it's anything broken, but it's still an IL likely,” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager

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• “He got hit hard and it's his throwing arm.” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager

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Pérez is slated for a minimum 15-day IL stay, positioning his return for after the All-Star break. The Braves will monitor his recovery while adjusting the rotation and bullpen to maintain competitiveness in the NL East.

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