“Atlanta Braves Reclaim Jose Suarez After Orioles DFA: A Familiar Reunion”

In a move that brings an unexpected twist, the Atlanta Braves have once again welcomed pitcher Jose Suarez back into the fold after he was recently designated for assignment (DFA) by the Baltimore Orioles. The Braves announced on Monday that they had successfully re-claimed Suarez off waivers, marking the pitcher’s return to the team after a brief stint with the Orioles. This marks the beginning of Suarez’s second stint with the Braves, a reunion that is becoming somewhat of a recurring theme for the franchise.

This move comes just a week and a half after Suarez was claimed by the Orioles from the Braves, adding another layer to a transaction chain that has already seen a lot of movement in a short period. To make room for Suarez, the Braves designated George Soriano for assignment. Soriano, who had also been claimed off waivers from the Orioles earlier this month, becomes the latest player to be involved in a series of waiver wire moves that have featured Baltimore as a key player.

The Braves’ quick response in bringing Suarez back raises some interesting questions about the team’s strategy and future plans. Suarez, despite being waived earlier, has shown enough promise for the Braves to take a chance on him once again. The decision to re-acquire him is reminiscent of previous reunions, like the one with Jesse Chavez, where it appeared that the team was moving on, only to bring the player back shortly afterward. This raises a fun question for fans: how many times can the Braves dance this dance with the 28-year-old right-hander?

A Brief but Effective Stint with the Braves

Suarez was originally acquired by the Braves in a March trade that sent Ian Anderson to the Los Angeles Angels. Despite the trade’s mixed results—both Suarez and Anderson spent time in Triple-A after the deal—the Braves had initially tendered Suarez a contract at the trade deadline. Though they opted to risk losing him on the waiver wire, their decision to go after him once again speaks to their belief in his potential as a valuable piece of their pitching staff.

Suarez spent the majority of his time in 2025 with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted a solid 3.50 ERA in 13 appearances, 11 of which were starts. However, he did get a few chances to pitch for the Braves at the Major League level. Over the course of seven appearances, including one start, Suarez impressed with a 1.86 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 19 1/3 innings pitched. His standout moment came when he made his lone start of the season during a doubleheader against the Washington Nationals. In that game, Suarez pitched a stellar seven innings, allowing just two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out a career-high nine batters. This performance showcased his potential, as it marked the highest strikeout total of his career, surpassing his previous best of eight strikeouts in a game from 2022.

After that start, Suarez went on to make three more scoreless appearances out of the bullpen, showing his ability to contribute in various roles. His strong showing, both as a starter and in relief, gave the Braves a glimpse of his versatility, making it clear that Suarez could be a valuable asset for the team moving forward.

A Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for the Braves

For the Braves, this move is a classic example of a low-risk, high-reward decision. Suarez may not have established himself as a full-time rotation piece just yet, but he has demonstrated enough upside to warrant another opportunity with the team. Given the Braves’ strong pitching depth and their ability to develop pitchers, Suarez has a good chance of thriving in their system, even if his role is more of a depth piece for now.

What makes this move especially interesting is that Suarez is still under team control with a club option for 2030, meaning the Braves have a long-term commitment to him at an affordable price. If Suarez continues to develop, he could become an important piece of the Braves’ bullpen or even earn a spot in the rotation down the line. His age (28) and contract make him a low-cost asset for the Braves, who are in a good position to take advantage of his potential without making a significant financial commitment.

What’s Next for Suarez and the Braves?

Looking ahead, Suarez’s role with the Braves will likely depend on how he performs during his second stint with the team. If he continues to show promise in spring training and early regular-season appearances, there’s a chance he could carve out a more significant role, whether as a long reliever or a spot starter. The Braves’ rotation is already solid, but Suarez’s ability to provide depth could be valuable if injuries or performance issues arise.

The Braves are clearly committed to building a deep and versatile pitching staff, and Suarez could play a key part in that strategy. Whether he continues to serve as a spot starter, long reliever, or even makes a push for a more prominent role, Suarez’s second opportunity with the Braves is one that fans will be watching closely. His success, or lack thereof, could be pivotal in determining the team’s pitching depth heading into the 2026 season.

Conclusion: Another Step Toward Building a Championship-Caliber Team

The Braves’ decision to re-claim Jose Suarez is just another example of their shrewdness in building a championship-caliber roster. While Suarez may not be a headline player, his potential to contribute in various roles could prove invaluable as the season unfolds. With a pitching staff already loaded with talent, Suarez’s return offers the Braves additional depth and flexibility. As the team looks to make another deep postseason run in 2026, every piece of the puzzle will be crucial, and Suarez may very well play a part in the team’s success.

For now, the Braves will continue to evaluate Suarez’s progress and see how he fits into their plans. Whether he becomes a key contributor or a depth option, one thing is clear: the Braves are always looking for ways to improve, even when it means bringing back a familiar face. The question remains—how many more times will this dance with Suarez happen? Only time will tell