The Atlanta Braves are in danger of getting swept by the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks entering Sunday’s series finale. Saturday’s loss against Arizona was particularly ugly as Atlanta’s pitching staff allowed 10 runs and 13 hits.
The game was still within reach until the top of the ninth inning when left-hander Danny Young entered and allowed two baserunners to reach before giving up a three-run home run to Ildemaro Vargas, officially putting the Braves out of reach.
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As a result, the team decided to make a change, designating Young for assignment following his poor outing. “The Braves today selected LHP Ray Kerr to the major league roster and designated LHP Danny Young for assignment,” the Braves wrote.
Young will have a chance to pass through waivers and see if any team wants to take a chance on him, but it is more likely he clears.
The 32-year-old appeared in 16 games for Atlanta this year, pitching just 12 1/3 innings while allowing 11 runs, good enough for an 8.03 ERA. He has a high strikeout rate with 15 punchouts, but that has not mattered given his inability to prevent runs and find the strike zone consistently.
Kerr will take his spot on the active roster and attempt to be a more reliable middle relief option. He has not appeared in the big leagues since 2024, when he pitched in 10 games for the Braves and posted a 5.64 ERA.
Atlanta’s bullpen has not been as strong in the second half, and they desperately need set-up man Robert Suarez back in the mix before the postseason arrives.
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