ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 8: Elieser Hernández #57 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Truist Park on September 8, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Matthew Grimes Jr./Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves are beginning to look beyond the National League East race as they position themselves for another postseason appearance, but their pitching depth remains an important part of that equation.
With October approaching, Atlanta has continued searching for ways to keep enough arms available for the final weeks of the regular season but it has become clear enough that they should start setting their roster and organizational depth up for a playoff run.
“A week ago, the fate of the National League East was blurry,” The Athletic’s Jesus Cano noted on Monday. “Now, with 12 games remaining, the Atlanta Braves have created enough breathing room to begin looking beyond the division race and toward October.”
With that in mind, the Braves reacquired some pitching depth with a familiar arm that could play a role in the playoff equation soon.
Atlanta Braves Reunite With Veteran Castoff Yet Again
Atlanta has re-signed right-hander Elieser Hernandez to a minor league contract, marking the fourth time the organization has brought back the veteran this year.
“Braves have also re-signed RHP Elieser Hernandez to a minor league deal,” 92.9 FM’s Gran McAuley reported. “He was DFA’d on September 9.”
The unusual transaction cycle has become a recurring theme for Hernandez, who has spent much of the year moving between Atlanta’s major league and minor league systems amid brief appearances on the open market.
“Hernandez, 31, has now signed four minor league contracts with the Braves in the past nine months,” Steve Adams noted for MLB Trade Rumors. “Atlanta has selected him to the 40-man roster three times since mid-July. Each time, Hernandez has provided one or two multi-inning relief appearances before being designated for assignment, passing through waivers, electing free agency and immediately re-signing on a minor league contract.”
That makes his latest return more than a routine minor league signing. Hernandez has repeatedly been viewed by Atlanta as a source of emergency pitching depth, particularly because his ability to work multiple innings gives the Braves another option when their bullpen or rotation needs coverage.
Atlanta Braves Re-Sign Veteran Pitcher After Latest Cut
Hernandez’s latest minor league agreement gives Atlanta another available arm as the club prepares for the postseason. If the Braves need him again, they can select him to the 40-man roster and potentially use him in a similar multi-inning role.
However, his long-term place with the organization remains less certain.
Given how frequently Atlanta has moved Hernandez on and off the roster this season, the most likely outcome may be another temporary stay rather than a permanent spot. If he finishes the year in Triple-A, he could reach minor league free agency after the season and once again become eligible to sign elsewhere — or potentially return to Atlanta.
Be the first to comment