Braves cut former Dodgers, Marlins reliever after one game

The Atlanta Braves made a notable roster move on Saturday morning. 

It involves a pitcher who threw three innings in yesterday's game but has already been designated for assignment after his first game with the Braves. 

The NL East club announced that right-hander Elieser Hernandez was DFA'd, while left-hander Connor Thomas was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett. 

Hernandez signed a minor league contract with the Braves last offseason. In 100 Major League appearances, including 49 starts, he owns a 5.05 ERA while averaging 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings. 

"With Carlos Carrasco now off to Hernandez’s old KBO club, it is possible the Braves might view Hernandez as a replacement to fill Carrasco’s role as a veteran who is frequently recalled (and then DFA’ed and outrighted) when Atlanta needs a fresh arm," Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.

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"The decision is up to Hernandez if he clears waivers, as he has the right to decline any future outright assignments in favor of free agency," Polishuk added. 

During 2025, Hernandez took his talents to South Korea and joined the Korea Baseball Organization's LG Twins.

Friday's outing against the Baltimore Orioles was Hernandez's first since 2024. He split that season between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers. 

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