All signs point to the final game of the first half being another bullpen game for the Atlanta Braves. This morning Atlanta recalled RHP Davis Daniel to provide bulk innings on Sunday, and now the latest roster move gives the Braves another fresh arm.
The team announced they have called up RHP Wander Suero and in his place optioned hard-throwing Daysbel Hernandez back to Triple-A Gwinnett. The club also announced RHP Michael Petersen was designated for assignment.
The #Braves today also selected RHP Wander Suero to the major league roster, optioned RHP Daysbel Hernández to Triple-A Gwinnett, and designated RHP Michael Petersen for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 13, 2025
Daysbel demotion could signal Braves have lost hope in him
Because Sunday's first half finale seems to be a bullpen game, this transaction could strictly be procedural and Daysbel could return post All-Star break. However, there is a theory that the Braves' front office simply doesn't believe Daysbel Hernandez is a Major League reliever. Hernandez initially looked better after returning from the IL, but the repeated struggles with command could be wearing thin on Brian Snitker.
Hernandez walked three batters and allowed the tying run to score on a wild pitch in an awful outing in game two against St. Louis. It's likely Atlanta will allow Suero, a returning Austin Cox, and possibly some outsiders to hold down a bullpen spot before going back to Hernandez. When he's on, Hernandez has the firepower to be an effective big league reliever, but too often we see outings like we did yesterday where the ability to throw the ball across the plate is nonexistent.
Suero has yet to appear in Atlanta this season, and has appeared in just five games since his dreadful 2021 season with Washington. In 36 innings with Gwinnett this season Suero has a 2.50 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Again it's likely Suero is simply with the team today to provide depth, but should he impress like Joey Wentz did yesterday then he could stick around a bit longer. We'll just have to see how the first half finale plays out before we get the next answer regarding the Braves bullpen.