Braves Address Pitching Concerns by Adding Elieser Hernández
WHO:
MLB Trade Rumors - Elieser Hernández, a 31-year-old right-hander, has joined the Braves.
MLB.com - Owen Murphy, a 22-year-old righty, was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
WHAT:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Braves selected the contract of Elieser Hernández and optioned Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett.
MLB Trade Rumors - Hernández posted a 4.23 ERA across 14 starts with the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization in 2025.
MLB Trade Rumors - Hernández had a 26.4% strikeout rate in the KBO, ranking 12th among pitchers with at least 50 innings.
MLB Trade Rumors - In 76 1/3 innings for Gwinnett, Hernández has a 4.83 ERA, a 21.6% strikeout rate, and an 8.1% walk rate.
MLB.com - The Braves' rotation has posted a 5.53 ERA over the last 31 games, losing 20 of those games.
MLB.com - Chris Sale threw seven scoreless innings in a recent game, marking the first time a Braves starter completed seven innings since May 20.
MLB.com - Murphy allowed three runs (two earned) in his first MLB start against the Rangers, lasting just 2 2/3 innings.
WHERE:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Braves are based in Atlanta, Georgia.
MLB.com - The game where Murphy started took place at Truist Park.
WHEN:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Braves selected Hernández's contract and optioned Murphy on an unspecified date.
MLB.com - Murphy's first MLB start occurred on a Saturday afternoon against the Rangers.
MLB.com - Martín Pérez is expected to return from the injured list on a Tuesday.
WHY:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Braves needed an extra bullpen arm due to injuries and performance issues in their starting rotation.
MLB.com - Concerns about the Braves' starting rotation arose after four starters were injured during Spring Training.
HOW:
MLB Trade Rumors - The Braves made a roster move by selecting Hernández and optioning Murphy without needing a corresponding move on the 40-man roster.
MLB.com - Murphy was given a start due to a lack of internal options in the rotation.
The Braves have made a roster move by selecting the contract of 31-year-old right-hander Elieser Hernández while optioning 22-year-old Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett. Hernández, who posted a 4.23 ERA across 14 starts with the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization last season, has struggled with a 4.83 ERA in 76 and a third innings for Gwinnett this year. The Braves' starting rotation has faced challenges, posting a 5.53 ERA over their last 31 games, prompting the need for an extra bullpen arm amid injuries and performance issues.