The Atlanta Braves continue to utilize their pitching depth after again depending on a reliever to cover multiple innings. Elieser Hernandez, for a second time this season, pitched three innings of relief to spare the bullpen on Friday. He pitched so well that he earned a three-inning save. The righty allowed one run on five hits, with one walk and four strikeouts.
That's an admirable job, but that also meant he wouldn't be available for at least a few days. Hernandez doesn't have options, so Atlanta was forced to designate him for assignment. Right-hander James Karinchak was recalled from Triple-A to replace him.
The #Braves today recalled RHP James Karinchak to Atlanta and designated RHP Elieser Hernández for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 1, 2026
James Karinchak makes his return to Atlanta, but don't expect him to make an appearance
This is Karinchak's second stint with the big league club in 2026. The first time around, he pitched well when he was utilized. He had a 1.86 ERA, five walks, and eight strikeouts over 9.2 innings. However, the team hesitated to use him multiple days in a row, and eventually optioned him back to the minor leagues. Karinchak has continued to pitch well for the Stripers, with a 2.57 ERA, 10 walks, and 44 strikeouts over 28 innings.
What stands out is the usage. There must be a reason the team is hesitant to use him often. He pitched for Gwinnett on July 18th and didn't pitch again until July 22nd. After that, seven days passed until his next appearance (which is odd since he only pitched a third of an inning).
Karinchak's most recent outing was on July 30th. So, it's likely he may not appear in a game for the Braves before being optioned back down. He's no longer the same pitcher he used to be, but he still produces great induced vertical break on his fastball. His ability to remain healthy clearly is affecting the Braves' confidence in sending him out on the mound too much.
That's precisely why they need to go and find a bullpen arm at the trade deadline. The team can't keep a roster spot filled with a pitcher who's unavailable so often.
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