Braves DFA Carlos Carrasco for Fifth Time This Season, Recall James Karinchak

The Atlanta Braves have designated right-hander Carlos Carrasco for assignment for the fifth time this season and recalled right-handed reliever James Karinchak from Triple-A Gwinnett. The move comes as the Braves continue to manage their 40-man roster with a high-velocity closer in need of a spot. Carrasco, 39, is expected to clear waivers and re-sign with the Braves on a minor league deal. Atlanta also placed Tyler Kinley on the 15-day injured list due to elbow inflammation and activated JR Ritchie in his place.

Carrasco's situation is well-documented by now. The former Cleveland Guardians ace is not eligible for optioning and must be designated for assignment each time Atlanta wants to send him down. Since last August, the Braves have gone through this process four times with Carrasco, who has signed a minor league contract after each DFA. The system has worked for both sides, with Carrasco logging 9 innings in the majors this season with a 3.00 ERA and 4 strikeouts while walking just one batter.

Carrasco's Triple-A numbers are even more impressive. In 30 innings with Gwinnett, he has a 3.00 ERA with a 21% strikeout rate and only a 5.6% walk rate. His ability to eat innings and keep the game manageable has made him a valuable asset for a Braves bullpen that often needs length.

Karinchak, 30, is now in his first major league action since 2023. The Guardians selected him in the first round in 2016 and he showed immense potential with a 2.51 ERA and 46.6% strikeout rate in his first 32 1/3 innings. However, injuries and control issues have limited his effectiveness in recent seasons. In 2024, Karinchak spent nearly the entire season on the injured list due to a shoulder issue and averaged just 92.1 mph on his fastball.

After being outrighted by Cleveland, Karinchak signed with the White Sox but was released in June after posting a 2.45 ERA in 29 1/3 innings at Triple-A with Charlotte. The Braves signed him in December and he has responded with a 2.45 ERA in 25 2/3 innings in 2026. He has walked 10% of batters faced while striking out 38% and has averaged 93.8 mph on his fastball, up from his 2024-25 numbers.

With one minor league option remaining, Karinchak gives the Braves a high-strikeout arm with arbitration control through 2027 if he can stay healthy and maintain his improved command. Atlanta now has a fresh arm in the mix as they continue their playoff push. The Braves will look to see if Karinchak can hold his own in the majors while Carrasco begins the DFA cycle once again.