Braves Option Owen Murphy, Select Elieser Hernández Amid Pitching Decisions

The Atlanta Braves optioned Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett following a 7-6 loss to the Rangers where the 22-year-old allowed three runs.

ATLANTA -- Before Sunday's matchup against the Rangers, the Atlanta Braves optioned 22-year-old right-hander Owen Murphy to Triple-A Gwinnett and selected the contract of 31-year-old veteran right-hander Elieser Hernández. These Braves pitching decisions follow a 7-6 loss to Texas on Saturday, a game in which Murphy surrendered three runs—two of which were earned—across 2⅔ innings during his inaugural major league start. Manager Walt Weiss noted that while the young pitcher threw fine, he left several pitches over the plate, attributing the performance to a lack of execution.

Elieser Hernández joins the active roster having last appeared in the majors during the 2024 season, where he posted a combined 6.32 ERA across nine appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. Over a six-season career spanning 99 games and 49 starts, the right-hander has compiled a 10-22 record alongside a 5.10 ERA. His addition comes as the front office evaluates the rotation ahead of the August 3 trade deadline, a period Weiss identified as critical for the team's starting pitching to take a necessary step forward.

Injury Updates for Pérez and Smith-Shawver

Reinforcements may be arriving soon as left-hander Martín Pérez continues his recovery from a left forearm contusion that has sidelined him since July 6. Pérez conducted a bullpen session on Sunday, and Weiss indicated the veteran is currently on the radar for a return to the active list. Simultaneously, right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver is nearing the end of his rehabilitation process following surgery on his right elbow.

Smith-Shawver recently delivered a scoreless performance for Triple-A Gwinnett, pitching 4⅓ innings without allowing a run. Weiss confirmed that the young righty will be in the conversation for a promotion once his rehab is officially complete. The manager emphasized the need for consistent starts, recalling that the rotation performed well during the first few months of the year and possesses the capability to regain that form.

Roster Adjustments and Trade Deadline Context

The move to demote Murphy and elevate Hernández is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the staff before the trade deadline on August 3. With the team seeking to improve upon recent outings, the coaching staff is monitoring multiple arms at the Triple-A level. The Braves are looking for players who can provide length and command, moving away from the execution issues seen in Saturday’s one-run defeat.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Nears Return

Beyond the mound, the Atlanta lineup is expected to receive a significant boost in the coming days. Ronald Acuña Jr., who has been hampered by a strained left hamstring, is progressing through his rehabilitation assignment at Gwinnett. Weiss suggested the outfielder is close to being activated from the injured list, which would provide a veteran presence to the batting order as the club navigates these pitching staff changes. The team remains focused on putting together quality starts to support a lineup that has shown early-season strength.