
MartĂn PĂ©rez has cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves and has chosen to become a free agent. The veteran pitcher made two starts for Atlanta this season before opting for free agency.
Apr 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Martin Perez (33) throws against the Cleveland Guardians in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Former Atlanta Braves starter pitcher MartĂn PĂ©rez has cleared waivers after the team designated him for assignment on April 12, 2026. The team optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett, but the veteran lefty elected free agency.
PĂ©rez, who made two starts and three appearances with Atlanta after his contract was selected in the first week of the regular season, was signed as a minor league free agent this past off-season. The 35-year-old has pitched in 328 games â including 281 starts â since debuting with the Texas Rangers in 2012.
Atlanta is currently working with a four-man rotation but will not need a fifth starter until April 21. Should PĂ©rez opt to return to the organization, it is possible he could be in-line to make a start the next time the Braves need a fifth starter. Injured starting pitcher Spencer Strider is on a rehab assignment and likely wonât be ready within the next week.
Pérez tossed 14.1 innings for Atlanta, striking out six with a 0.910 WHIP and 3.14 ERA and 3.86 xERA. His xFIP of 4.51 in 2026 is an almost exact match with his career 4.52 xFIP.
MartĂn PĂ©rez cleared waivers after being designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves and chose free agency instead of being optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
MartĂn PĂ©rez has pitched in 328 games, including 281 starts, since his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers in 2012.
The Atlanta Braves will need a fifth starter on April 21, as they are currently operating with a four-man rotation.

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