A New Arm, An Old Problem
The Braves didn’t just shuffle the bullpen; they made a decisive swap to fix a glaring hole. They selected left-handed reliever Ray Kerr for the big league roster while designating fellow southpaw Danny Young for assignment. This move came immediately after the team faced the Tampa Bay Rays at Truist Park. Battery Power reports that Kerr is back for his first major league action since 2024. That was the year he needed “Tommy John” surgery on his pitching elbow. The roster needed a fresh arm, and Young simply couldn’t get the job done.
Young had a brutal season.
He saw action in 16 games but posted a ghastly 8.03 ERA. His last four outings all included runs allowed, according to the data. He surrendered two runs in one appearance and three runs in two other stints. Battery Power notes that this wasn’t a surprising outcome given his lack of success. Young is 32 years old and has pitched for the Braves before in 2022 and 2023. His career ERA sits over 8 this year, and his FIP is over 7. There was no strong justification for retaining him on the roster.
Kerr’s Fight Back from Surgery
Ray Kerr is 31 years old and will turn 32 next month. He has been grinding to earn another shot with the major league club. This season, Kerr has appeared in nine games spanning four levels. Although he has tossed only 11.2 innings, he has struck out 16 batters. That’s a solid strikeout rate for such a small sample size. In 2024, he recorded 10 appearances for the Braves prior to an injury. Those appearances included two starts, which is oddly enough for a reliever. His progress in the minor league system has been steady.
What happens next?
The Braves need a reliable lefty in the bullpen right now. Kerr essentially replaces Young as the last left-handed option. His spot on the roster might not last long, though. The team is expected to recall AJ Smith-Shawver in the next few days. Battery Power reports that the club is contemplating how to bring Smith-Shawver onto the roster. The plan could involve getting rid of Young, bringing up a stopgap arm for a few days, and then having Smith-Shawver replace Grant Holmes in the rotation. As a back-end starter, Holmes has performed admirably and can serve as a solid bullpen arm. ap
The Road Ahead for Atlanta
The Braves got pounded on a night when they had nothing going against the Diamondbacks. This loss highlighted the need for better pitching depth. The team cannot afford to let a pitcher like Young stay if he gives up runs every time out. Kerr offers a different look with his fresh arm and strikeout ability. The 2026 season is still young, and every win matters. The club needs to find the best mix of arms for the stretch run.
Grant Holmes might move to the bullpen to help the team. He can impact the Braves the best for the remainder of this season out of the bullpen. Smith-Shawver is a top prospect who could take over a rotation spot. The front office has to make these tough calls to keep the team competitive. Ray Kerr’s return is a step in the right direction.
