Walt Weiss' first misstep as manager may have cost the Braves series win in Arizona

The Atlanta Braves have opened the season with a 6–4 record, and early returns suggest widespread approval of new manager Walt Weiss’s decision-making. From his aggressive use of pinch-runners to his measured and effective bullpen management, Weiss has demonstrated a sharp tactical approach through the first stretch of the 2026 campaign.

Compared to what Braves fans have endured in recent seasons, Weiss has offered little cause for criticism. However, on Sunday afternoon, he made what could be viewed as his first clear misstep—one that likely cost the Braves a chance to secure the series against the Diamondbacks.

Couple of questionable moves from Walt Weiss lead to series split with D-Backs

Through the Braves’ first 10 games, Weiss has managed his pitching staff with notable discipline and effectiveness. However, on Sunday, he may have overextended that approach by sending veteran Martín Pérez back out to begin the sixth inning, even with the top of Arizona’s lineup set to face him for a third time.

Getting five solid innings from Pérez—particularly with a fully rested bullpen—should typically be more than sufficient. However, Weiss appeared to push his luck by sending him back out to face Corbin Carroll to open the sixth. While the left-on-left matchup offered some justification, the decision proved costly: Carroll led off with a single, quickly stole second base, and ultimately came around to score, giving Arizona the lead.

Leaving a starter in one batter too long was a hallmark criticism of Brian Snitker’s tenure, but until Sunday afternoon, Weiss had largely avoided that same pitfall. Unfortunately, the questionable decisions did not end there, as he turned to Tyler Kinley—the only reliever who had pitched the previous day—in an effort to keep the game tied.

Kinley has been more than serviceable this season, but asking him to navigate the heart of Arizona’s lineup felt better suited for a higher-leverage option such as Dylan Lee or Robert Suarez. The decision ultimately contributed to Atlanta surrendering the lead in the later innings—a misstep that often proves decisive, even against an Arizona bullpen that may not match the league’s elite in late-game firepower.

However, thanks to Drake Baldwin’s late-game heroics, Weiss was afforded a second opportunity as the game moved into extra innings. After the Braves unceremoniously put up an egg in the run column in the 10th inning on Easter Sunday, Weiss was left with just three relievers available in an effort to extend the game further.

The two most logical options were Aaron Bummer and Joel Payamps. With the automatic runner placed at second base to begin the inning, Weiss was clearly prioritizing swing-and-miss capability, which made the decision to turn to Payamps a defensible one. Unfortunately, the execution fell short, as Ketel Marte promptly ended the game.

Ultimately, this is admittedly nitpicking—Sunday’s sequence of events highlighted one rough patch, but it shouldn’t overshadow the bigger picture. Weiss has been solid to start the season, managing his pitching staff effectively and making smart tactical decisions in a variety of situations. One misstep in extra innings is a small blip in an otherwise promising beginning to the 2026 campaign.