Braves make an unexpected demotion to Gwinnett after doubleheader

With 15 games in 14 days, the Braves altered their lineup yesterday.

The first transaction occurred after Game 1, when Bryce Elder was optioned to Gwinnett. That decision was understandable given Elder’s poor start against the Padres on Sunday night. Following Game 2, the Braves surprised everyone by announcing that Ray Kerr had also been optioned to Gwinnett.

The #Braves optioned LHP Ray Kerr to Triple-A Gwinnett following tonight’s game.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 21, 2024

In a matching move, the Braves recalled Daysbel Hernandez, who was the team’s 27th man in yesterday’s doubleheader and tossed a scoreless inning of relief.

The #Braves today recalled RHP Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta. Additionally, C Sean Murphy tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 21, 2024

Ray Kerr made four major league appearances for the Braves, pitching 9.1 innings with a 2.89 ERA and 9.6 K/9. He was more than outstanding, capable of pitching numerous innings and throwing a high-90s fastball from the left side along with a deadly curveball. So much so that Brian Snitker intimated after Sunday’s game that the Braves would try him out as a starter, most likely to replace Bryce Elder.

That is primarily why this move is surprising. Daysbel Hernandez is more than deserving of a major-league opportunity. He has been outstanding in Gwinnett, with a 1.65 ERA and 12.1 K/9 in 16.1 innings. He might be a valuable asset for the Braves out of the bullpen, but the team will need a couple of arms to make spot starts later in the week, and Ray Kerr appeared to be a good possibility.

Perhaps it still happens. Roster manipulation is part of the game, but whether Kerr returns by the end of the week or not, his influence in Atlanta has only just begun.