Braves announce 2 roster moves before Nationals clash

The Atlanta Braves refreshed their bullpen Saturday by recalling right-hander James Karinchak and designating right-hander Elieser Hernandez for assignment before their matchup with the Washington Nationals. The roster moves added a rested arm after Hernandez worked three innings in Friday’s 6-2 victory at Truist Park.

Hernandez earned a three-inning save while allowing one run on five hits and striking out four. His extended appearance helped Atlanta preserve the rest of its relief corps, but it also made him less likely to be available the following night.

The Braves announced both transactions through their official account on X, formerly Twitter, prior to Saturday’s game.

“The #Braves today recalled RHP James Karinchak to Atlanta and designated RHP Elieser Hernández for assignment.”

Karinchak last appeared for Atlanta on July 9, giving him more than three weeks away. The 30-year-old reliever is set to return from Triple-A Gwinnett after making nine appearances for Atlanta earlier this season. Karinchak has recorded a 1.86 ERA, eight strikeouts, and a 0.93 WHIP across 9 2/3 major league innings in 2026. He owns a 3.03 ERA with 261 strikeouts over 175 1/3 innings in 183 career appearances.

Hernandez posted a 1.50 ERA with six strikeouts across six innings in two appearances for the Braves. Because he had no minor league options remaining, the Braves could not send him back to Gwinnett without first removing him from the 40-man roster. The designation gives the organization time to trade him or place him on waivers.

The decision by the Braves appears driven more by immediate bullpen availability than by the 31-year-old reliever’s performance. Both of Hernandez’s appearances for Atlanta required three innings, including Friday’s save in the Braves’ 6-2 series-opening win over Washington.

The Braves enter Saturday’s MLB action with a 65-45 record and an eight-game lead in the National League East. With another game vs. the Nationals scheduled for later that evening, manager Walt Weiss gained a rested middle-relief option as Atlanta managed its bullpen workload during the final weekend before the trade deadline.

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