The Atlanta Braves added right-handers Hunter Stratton and Anthony Molina to the roster ahead of a matchup against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, May 1, and designated left-hander Jose Suarez and Joel Payamps for assignment, per a team announcement.
The latest roster update does not involve right-hander JR Ritchie, which is good news for the rookie’s potential to stay in the rotation. The 22-year-old’s status is in question with ace Spencer Strider set to return this weekend. For now, Ritchie remains with the big-league club.
The Braves have frequently shuttled pitchers on and off the roster this season. Just this week, the club moved on from righty Carlos Carrasco before a game against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, April 29. Exciting young rookie Didier Fuentes survived the return of Dylan Lee, but his status is another one to monitor as Strider nears a comeback.
Atlanta Braves Roster Update: Jose Suarez and Joel Payamps Designated For Assignment
GettyThe Atlanta Braves designated Joel Payamps for assignment.
Suarez struggled to a 6.61 ERA in long relief for Atlanta. The former Los Angeles Angels starter posted a career-best 26.6% strikeout rate, but it came with an unsightly 15.2% walk rate. It’s a disappointing follow-up effort to a strong 2025 for the veteran lefty. Suarez posted a 1.86 ERA in 19.1 innings with the Braves last season. The Baltimore Orioles claimed Suarez this winter, but he landed back with Atlanta after getting designated for assignment. Suarez made the team out of camp and had survived the roster shuffling up to this point.
Payamps came over on a waiver claim at the end of the 2025 season. The Milwaukee Brewers let him go in September. Payamps tossed a handful of innings with Atlanta to finish the year. He stuck with the club this season, but struggled in limited work. Payamps notched an 8.22 ERA over 12 appearances. The final straw was a disastrous outing on Thursday, April 30, against the Detroit Tigers. Payamps entered in the 8th inning with a one-run lead. He immediately coughed up the margin, allowing a triple and game-tying double. Payamps was charged with the loss in the 5-2 defeat.
Stratton pitched well in a brief stint with Atlanta in 2025. He delivered a 2.20 ERA in 16.1 innings after coming over in a minor trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Molina pitched 52 games with the Colorado Rockies from 2024 to 2025. He has a career 6.96 ERA, though Coors Field likely has something to do with that.
Will Ritchie Stick in the Rotation?
Ritchie has put together a pair of solid outings in his first taste of the majors. The young righty delivered seven innings of two-run ball in his debut against the Washington Nationals, earning his first MLB win. He wasn’t as effective in his appearance against the Tigers, but still held a solid offense to two earned runs over 5.1 frames.
Strider’s return won’t necessarily bump Ritchie from the rotation. If Martin Perez shifts to the bullpen, there’s room to fit both Strider and Ritchie alongside Chris Sale, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder. Perez has already been booted off the roster once this season.
Braves Cut Two Pitchers, Keep JR Ritchie on Roster