Williams

Perez

Perez last pitched in the majors in 2016, when he registered a 6.04 ERA in 11 starts with the Braves. The husky 27-year-old has put up good numbers in the minor leagues, but the Cardinals are stocked with good pitching throughout their system and he will likely struggle to make a meaningful impact.

It will be his first start for the Braves in nearly three months, as Perez has finally made it back from a right rotator cuff strain. He’s a poor streaming option versus the Nats.

Perez has been out since early June with a shoulder issue but threw five hitless innings Thursday in his last rehab start. He should rejoin the Braves’ rotation next week.

Perez was visited by a trainer before leaving the mound, though there was no obvious sign of injury. He allowed five runs on seven hits over 4 1/3 innings before exiting.

There’s certainly no reason for the Braves to push it, so he should join Mike Foltynewicz on the disabled list. Casey Kelly, who was called up before the game, could take his spot in the rotation.

Perez has been on the shelf since June 8 due to a right rotator cuff strain suffered against the Padres. The Braves were hopeful that he might be able to return on either side of the All-Star break, but he just recently began a throwing program and will not be pushed into action for this weekend’s series against the Rockies.

Perez, out since June 8 with a right rotator cuff strain, moved up to Class A after throwing three scoreless innings with the GCL Braves on Monday. It didn’t go as well in this one, as he gave up seven hits and walked a pair. The Braves surely want to see better before bringing him back, but he has a chance to return in September.

Perez had a rough third inning, but otherwise held the Marlins’ offense in check. However, the Braves didn’t pull ahead until the eighth. Perez struck out three and walked one and has lowered his ERA from 4.78 to 3.72 over his last two outings. Still, he’s not a good source of strikeouts and doesn’t come recommended in most fantasy formats.

Perez actually had more in the tank, as he was removed after just 90 pitches, but new Braves skipper Brian Snitker chose to play the matchups instead. Perez walked just one while striking out four in the win. If he could start every game against the Phillies he would be just fine -- his only other win this season was an eight-inning, one-run victory over the Phils on May 11 -- but since he can’t, Perez is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA and 1.13 WHIP through six starts. Perez will try to find success against another organization Friday when he takes on the Marlins.

It was shaping up to be a pitcher’s duel in Atlanta before Brandon Belt took Perez deep for a two-run shot in the fourth inning. The right-hander threw strikes, induced contact, and soaked up innings. That’s all the Braves are hoping he does at this point. The club knows he’s not a long-term answer in the rotation. He now owns a 3.86 ERA with just 21 strikeouts in 44 1/3 innings. Perez should get the Padres in his next start.