Atlanta Braves Send Veteran Pitcher Carlos Carrasco to Triple-A After Difficult Season

The Atlanta Braves have reassigned veteran right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco to minor-league camp, continuing a challenging stretch for the experienced starter. The move was announced Wednesday as part of a series of roster adjustments made by the Braves during spring training.

Carrasco, now 38 years old, was one of four pitchers sent to the minors, joining right-handers Elieser Hernandez and James Karinchak along with left-hander Hayden Harris. All four pitchers have been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, where they will continue preparing for the 2026 MLB season while awaiting potential opportunities to return to the major league roster.

For Carrasco, the assignment reflects both his recent struggles on the mound and the Braves’ ongoing effort to stabilize their pitching staff amid several injuries.

Difficult Debut Season in Atlanta

Carrasco’s first stint with the Braves last season did not go as planned. After being acquired in a midseason trade from the New York Yankees, the veteran pitcher struggled to find consistency.

In three starts with Atlanta, Carrasco posted a 9.88 ERA, allowing 22 hits and three home runs over just 13.2 innings. Opposing hitters consistently made solid contact, and he was unable to provide the reliable innings the team had hoped for when they made the trade.

Those disappointing numbers ultimately forced Carrasco to accept a minor-league contract with the Braves during the offseason, rather than a guaranteed major league deal.

While the Braves value his experience, the organization clearly wants to see improved performance before returning him to the big-league rotation.

Spring Training Struggles Continue

Unfortunately for Carrasco, his spring training performance has not helped his case for a major league roster spot.

Across 6.1 innings this spring, he has recorded a 12.79 ERA, continuing the trend of allowing frequent hits and runs. His most recent outing came on March 9 against the Minnesota Twins, where he surrendered four runs on four hits, including multiple home runs, in 2.2 innings.

The Braves’ coaching staff had hoped the spring would provide Carrasco an opportunity to regain rhythm and confidence, but those results ultimately led to the decision to send him to Triple-A.

Still, the organization believes his veteran experience could become valuable later in the season if injuries continue to impact the pitching staff.

Braves Rotation Facing Injury Challenges

The Braves’ starting rotation has already been tested by injuries early in camp. Promising young pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are both dealing with elbow injuries, limiting the team’s depth heading into the regular season.

Meanwhile, other pitchers are still working their way back to full health. Right-hander Reynaldo López is recovering from a shoulder injury, while Grant Holmes continues rehabilitation from elbow issues.

With so many uncertainties, Atlanta’s rotation currently revolves around two proven anchors: Cy Young winner Chris Sale and All-Star pitcher Spencer Strider.

Behind those two stars, the Braves are evaluating younger pitchers and potential depth options to fill the remaining spots in the rotation.

Competition for Rotation Spots Intensifying

Because of these injuries and roster questions, performances in the Grapefruit League over the next week will be critical for pitchers hoping to secure a spot in the Braves’ starting rotation.

The team is expected to rely heavily on younger arms to step up while veterans like Carrasco attempt to rebuild their form in the minors.

Triple-A Gwinnett will likely serve as an important pipeline for pitching reinforcements if Atlanta encounters additional injuries during the season.

Carrasco’s experience could still make him a useful option later in the year if he regains command and improves his results.

Carrasco’s Difficult 2025 Season Began in New York

Before arriving in Atlanta, Carrasco also struggled during his brief time with the New York Yankees last season.

In eight appearances (six starts) for New York, he went 2–2 with a 5.91 ERA, giving up 39 hits and seven home runs across 32 innings.

Seeking additional pitching depth for the second half of the season, the Braves acquired Carrasco on July 28 for cash considerations. At the time, Atlanta hoped the veteran could stabilize the rotation and provide valuable innings during the playoff push.

However, those expectations were not realized due to his continued struggles on the mound.

A Respected Veteran with an Inspiring Career

Despite his recent difficulties, Carlos Carrasco remains one of the more respected veterans in Major League Baseball. Over a 16-season career, he has achieved several impressive milestones.

Among his career highlights:

• Four seasons with at least 14 wins

• American League wins leader in 2017

• AL Comeback Player of the Year

Carrasco’s standout season came in 2017 with the Cleveland Guardians (then known as the Cleveland Indians), when he went 18-6 with a 3.29 ERA, leading the American League in victories.

He followed that performance with 17 wins in 2018, further establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable starters at the time.

Overcoming Leukemia in 2019

Carrasco’s career took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer.

The diagnosis forced him to step away from baseball for an extended period. However, in a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Carrasco returned to the mound later that same season.

His inspiring comeback earned him the American League Comeback Player of the Year Award, and his story became one of the most uplifting moments in MLB that year.

Even today, Carrasco remains admired throughout baseball for both his perseverance and professionalism.

What Comes Next for Carrasco?

While the Braves have assigned Carrasco to Triple-A Gwinnett for now, his journey with the organization may not be over.

Given Atlanta’s current injury situation, the team could eventually call upon him if the need for experienced pitching arises later in the season.

For Carrasco, the immediate goal is clear: regain form, improve his command, and prove he can still compete at the major league level.