Overview
- The Braves announced Friday that they recalled Hunter Stratton and selected Anthony Molina, while designating Joel Payamps and José Suarez for assignment.
- Payamps opened 2026 with an 8.22 ERA and Suarez posted a 6.61 mark, following recent late-inning lapses that cost Atlanta a lead in Detroit.
- Hunter Stratton brings a solid but brief big-league track record with a 2.20 ERA over 16.1 innings last season for Atlanta.
- Anthony Molina, who struggled with a 6.96 ERA across two seasons with the Rockies, debuted for Atlanta on Friday night with two hitless innings.
- Designated for assignment removes a player from the 40-man roster and places him on waivers, so Payamps and Suarez can be claimed or outrighted as the first-place Braves (22-10, 6.5-game NL East lead) test new bullpen depth before Strider starts Sunday at Coors Field.