Martín Pérez Likely to Join Injured List After Juan Soto Line Drive

New York Mets Hit Sends Braves Pitcher to IL

Atlanta’s left‑hander Martín Pérez faces an uncertain short‑term future after a line drive from Juan Soto struck his left forearm during Thursday’s 10‑9 defeat to the Mets. Manager Walt Weiss confirmed that X‑rays came back negative, but additional imaging is slated to get a fuller picture of the forearm. “It’s probably an IL,” Weiss said, “He’s not going to be able to make his next start.”

On the night, Pérez posted a 6‑6 record, surrendering six hits and five runs—four of them earned—over 4 ⅓ innings. He walked two batters and recorded one strikeout before being forced from the game. After the impact, Pérez surprisingly managed to throw out Soto at first base, a play that prompted the Mets’ slugger to appear concerned before offering a brief nod of encouragement as he headed back to the dugout.

The Braves, currently atop the NL East, have been juggling a six‑man rotation and currently count only seven relievers in the bullpen. If Pérez lands on the injured list, Atlanta will likely fill his roster spot with an additional reliever, returning the setup to an eight‑man bullpen. This move could provide the club with extra depth at a critical point in the stretch run.

What This Means for Atlanta’s Rotational Depth

With Pérez’s status in limbo, the Braves must adjust their plans for the upcoming weeks. The team’s medical staff will conduct further tests to rule out any structural damage, but the initial assessment suggests the forearm is not broken. Manager Weiss emphasized the seriousness of the injury, noting the impact was “hard” and that the arm used for throwing was the affected side.

The potential loss compounds Atlanta’s rotation challenges, especially with a thin bullpen corps. Adding a reliever to replace Pérez would restore some balance, allowing the squad to keep its six‑man rotation while maintaining coverage over the upcoming series. The decision to bring in extra arms could also influence how aggressively the staff manages pitch counts in the coming days.

Looking Ahead

Fans and analysts will be watching for updates on Pérez’s condition and the Braves’ response to the injury. The team’s ability to adapt by strengthening the bullpen will be key as they chase NL East dominance. Whether Pérez can return before the end of the season remains uncertain, but his contribution has been vital to Atlanta’s rotation stability. The incident also highlights the unpredictability of baseball, where a single line drive can alter a team’s short‑term plans.