ATLANTA – Veteran left-hander Martín Pérez made a strong first impression with the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, delivering 4.1 scoreless innings in relief against the Oakland Athletics at Truist Park. Despite Pérez’s impressive outing, the Braves fell to the A’s by a score of 5-2.
The 34-year-old Venezuelan pitcher, signed by Atlanta this offseason, entered the game as a reliever and immediately quieted the A’s offense. Pérez retired 12 of the 14 batters he faced, including the final seven consecutively, showcasing a mix of pitches and command that left a positive mark on his new team.
Whereas the result wasn’t a win for the Braves, Pérez’s performance offered a bright spot in a game where the Atlanta offense struggled to generate consistent run support. It’s a familiar scenario for a pitcher who has spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, often finding himself in pivotal roles.
Pérez’s Pitching Breakdown
According to Baseball Savant data, Pérez utilized a diverse pitch mix during his debut. He threw 18 changeups (38%), 14 sinkers (30%), 11 cut fastballs (23%), and four curveballs (9%). This variety kept the A’s hitters off balance and contributed to his success.
Pérez effectively induced weak contact, recording three ground balls – including a double play – and four fly balls. This ability to generate soft contact minimized hard-hit balls and helped him navigate through the Oakland lineup efficiently. He threw 47 pitches, 31 of which were strikes (66%).
This appearance marked Pérez’s 47th career relief outing, though his first since 2023. Throughout his career, he has maintained a 3.73 ERA in 82.0 innings pitched as a reliever. His experience and versatility are valuable assets for the Braves’ bullpen.
The Braves’ starting pitcher, Jose Suarez, had a more challenging night, allowing four earned runs. Suarez, making his first start of the season, struck out six but struggled with consistency, giving up key hits that allowed the A’s to build a lead. The Braves managed only two runs on the night, despite a solo home run from Drake Baldwin, his third of the season.
A Notable Relief Performance
Pérez’s outing is particularly noteworthy as he became just the fourth Venezuelan pitcher aged 34 or older to complete a relief appearance of 4.1 innings or more without allowing a run. He joins Giovanni Carrara, Freddy García, and Wilson Álvarez in this exclusive group. Carrara previously achieved a 5.0-inning scoreless relief appearance against the Braves while pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 7, 2002, according to Baseball Reference.
For Pérez, this debut represents a new chapter in his career. After stints with the Texas Rangers (twice), Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox, he’s now looking to contribute to a Braves team aiming for another deep postseason run. His ability to provide quality innings out of the bullpen will be crucial as the season progresses.
The Braves’ offense, despite Baldwin’s home run, struggled to capitalize on opportunities, leaving runners stranded throughout the game. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II both reached base in the sixth inning but were unable to drive in runs. Improving run production will be a key focus for the team moving forward.
While the loss was disappointing, the Braves can capture solace in Pérez’s strong debut. His ability to step into a new role and deliver a dominant performance is a positive sign for the team’s pitching depth. The Braves will look to bounce back in their next game against the [Opponent to be determined – check schedule], as they continue their early-season schedule.
Photo: MLB Network Capture
The Braves will need to find more consistent offensive production to support their pitching staff. The team’s ability to string together hits and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be critical to their success throughout the season. Manager Brian Snitker will likely be looking for adjustments in the lineup and approach at the plate as the team moves forward.
Pérez’s next appearance will be closely watched as the Braves assess his role in the bullpen. His versatility and experience make him a valuable asset, and his ability to consistently deliver quality innings will be essential to the team’s success. The Braves’ pitching staff, already considered one of the league’s best, has added another reliable arm in Martín Pérez.
The Braves’ schedule continues with a series against [Opponent to be determined – check schedule] at Truist Park. Fans can follow the team’s progress and stay updated on the latest news and scores on the official MLB website and through various sports news outlets.
