Braves lose a key reliever to scary injury.
The Atlanta Braves got some unfortunate news Saturday afternoon with one of their best relievers, Pierce Johnson, hitting injured list:
The #Braves today selected RHP Jackson Stephens to Atlanta and placed RHP Pierce Johnson on the 15-day injured list, backdated to May 1, with right elbow inflammation. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred LHP Angel Perdomo to the 60-day injured list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 4, 2024
Atlanta signed Johnson to a 2-year $14M contract this winter after trading for him at the trade deadline last summer. The idea that he’d be one of their best relievers in the Braves’ bullpen and that’s exactly what he’s been. So far this season, Johnson has pitched 12 innings, posted a 3.00 ERA and a 2.80 FIP while striking out 12 per nine innings and walking 3 per nine innings. So immediately the Braves lose one of their best relievers and any injury involving the pitching elbow is terrifying.
The Braves recalled Jackson Stephens to take Johnson’s spot on the active roster and transferred Angel Perdomo to the 60-day IL to make room on the 40-man roster.