Veteran left-hander Martín Pérez elected free agency, relays Chad Bishop of The Atlanta Journal Constitution. He cleared outright waivers after being designated for assignment by the Braves on Sunday.
Pérez made three appearances in an Atlanta uniform. He got decent results, allowing just five runs across 14 1/3 innings. The 35-year-old southpaw only struck out six of the 53 batters he faced with a well below-average 7.2% swinging strike percentage. The Braves opted not to continue running him out as their fifth starter. They’re carrying a nine-man bullpen for the time being — a luxury partially afforded by a day off on Thursday — but will need a fifth starter or bullpen game early next week.
Spencer Strider is set to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday. He’ll make at least three minor league appearances. The Braves could recall Didier Fuentes or turn to José Suarez to lead a bullpen game in the Pérez spot.
It’s possible the Braves look to bring Pérez back on a minor league deal. They don’t have much in the way of upper minors rotation experience. If Pérez is unable to find a big league contract as a free agent, he could be best served returning to an organization with which he’s already familiar.
