The Atlanta Braves have selected left-handed reliever Ray Kerr to the the big league roster and designated fellow lefty Danny Young for assignment.
For Kerr, this would be his first big league action since 2024 when he underwent “Tommy John” surgery on his pitching elbow. Kerr has been making steady progress in Atlanta’s minor league system as the 31-year-old, who will turn 32 next month, has been working for another opportunity with the major league club.
Kerr has pitched in nine games across four levels this season. Although he’s tossed only 11.2 innings he has struck out 16 batters. He made 10 appearances for the Braves in 2024 – including two starts, oddly enough, prior to falling to injury.
As for Young, this was not a surprising outcome given the lack of success he had in his returns engagement with Atlanta this season. He previously pitched for the Braves in 2022 and 2023. Young, 32, saw action in 16 games this season but has ghastly 8.03 ERA after allowing runs in each of his last four outings including a two-run appearance and two three-run stints, including last night.
Kerr will essentially replace Young as the last lefty in the bullpen. His spot on the roster could be short given AJ Smith-Shawver’s expected recall in the next few days.