From a bullpen management standpoint, the first three games of the Atlanta Braves' series against the Marlins couldn't have gone much better. Thanks to a pair of blowouts, the Braves only had to use the top bullpen trio of Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias once over that span. That extra rest could be absolutely huge heading into these last four games before Atlanta mercifully gets a day off.
However, just because the Braves didn't have to use their true leverage relievers much doesn't mean that they didn't have to use the bullpen at all. The recently-called up Victor Mederos came up clutch for the Braves in Wednesday's rout of Miami, but he also covered two innings with 25 pitches, so he probably won't be available at all for a day or two.
To fix that problem and bring in a fresh arm, the Braves brought Carlos Carrasco back from the minors again and sent Mederos back to Triple-A.
The #Braves today selected RHP Carlos Carrasco to the major league roster and optioned RHP VÃctor Mederos to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 21, 2026
Braves bring Carlos Carrasco back and thank Victor Mederos for his service
Honestly, this is perfectly defensible and could pay dividends for Atlanta. While Carrasco is not an arm that should excite anyone, he can cover multiple innings, and the Braves clearly trust him in that role, which has also been filled by Didier Fuentes, Martin Perez, and others for Atlanta this year.
It would be more concerning if Carrasco were being leaned on for leverage innings or to start. However, all the Braves really need him to do is be available in games where the Braves do not want to be forced to bring in their backend bullpen arms. Mederos did well, but his availability the next few days was going to be questionable, so Cookie is the next man up.
So far, this revolving door in the bullpen has worked pretty well, and now there is zero-risk of an appearance from Aaron Bummer that could throw a wrench in things. Sometimes you just need a guy that cover garbage time innings, and Carrasco can do that. The way the Braves are playing this year, that is all they need him to be.
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