Braves Reinstate Suarez for Postseason, Optioning Murphy

Key points

• Robert Suarez was reinstated from the 60-day IL on September 23, 2026, after missing time since late June due to right elbow inflammation.
• Owen Murphy was optioned to the minors to clear a 40-man roster spot for Suarez; Murphy had a 6.00 ERA in his recent major league stint.
• Suarez is expected to make two appearances in the final five regular-season games before the postseason begins, per MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
• Suarez's fastball velocity was measured at 96.9 mph during his rehab appearance with Triple-A Gwinnett, slightly below his normal range.
• The Braves' bullpen ranks third in the National League in ERA, with closer Raisel Iglesias recording 34 saves in 37 opportunities.
• Didier Fuentes has emerged as a high-leverage setup man, accumulating 2.3 WAR and 92 strikeouts in 72.3 innings this season.

Background

The Braves clinched the 2026 NL East title on September 21, shifting focus to postseason preparation. Earlier reports indicated that Suarez's return was 'highly likely' and that the team would need to make a roster move to accommodate him. The team had been managing without Suarez since late June, relying on other relievers to maintain a top-tier bullpen ranking.

How outlets are covering it

MLB Trade Rumors and Battery Power both confirm the core transaction: Suarez's reinstatement and Murphy's optioning. MLB Trade Rumors emphasizes the strategic timing of Suarez's return for the postseason and notes the existing 40-man spot availability. Battery Power provides additional detail on Suarez's velocity (96.9 mph) and highlights the strong performance of the remaining bullpen, particularly Didier Fuentes and Raisel Iglesias. Battery Power also notes that Murphy's future may lie in the starting rotation, whereas MLB Trade Rumors focuses on his current struggles. ESPN was inaccessible due to a server error, so no additional perspective could be derived from that source.

Why it matters

Suarez's return strengthens the Braves' bullpen for the postseason, adding a high-velocity arm to a unit that has already ranked third in the league in ERA. His presence alongside Iglesias and Fuentes provides depth and flexibility in high-leverage situations. The move also signals the Braves' commitment to maximizing their roster for the playoffs, as they finalize their plans with the regular season nearing its end.

What to watch

Suarez is expected to pitch in the final five regular-season games, with at least two appearances anticipated. The Braves will monitor his velocity and effectiveness as they prepare for the postseason. Owen Murphy will remain in the minors for the remainder of the season, with his future role potentially shifting to the starting rotation next year. The Braves will also continue to manage the health of other key players, such as Ronald Acuña Jr., who is day-to-day with a shin injury.