Following being cut by the Braves, these two were brought back on minor-league contracts.
The Atlanta Braves have re-signed Ray Kerr, a left-handed pitcher, and Royber Salinas, a right-handed pitcher. There was no public announcement for these signings, although they are recorded on each player’s personal page.
Both pitchers inked their contracts on November 27.
The Braves initially declined to tender Kerr and Salinas pitchers at that deadline. The Braves released five players in all, and two have been brought back.
In December 2023, the Braves acquired Kerr as part of a trade with the San Diego Padres. He and infielder Matt Carpenter were traded, along with cash, for centerfielder Drew Campbell. He made ten appearances with the Braves in 2024. He had a 5.64 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP in 22 1/3 innings. He also made nine appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett, finishing with a 4.50 ERA. Kerr last appeared in a game on June 15. He sustained a UCL injury and had Tommy John surgery.
Salinas has a history with the Braves. The Braves signed him as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Salinas was dealt to the Oakland Athletics as part of the Sean Murphy transaction before the 2023 season. The Braves claimed him off waivers earlier this month.
Within 30 days, he had been cut twice and picked up twice.
Salinas is yet to make his Major League debut. He made his Triple-A debut in 2024. He made two appearances and allowed seven earned runs in 6 1/3 innings pitched (9.95 ERA).
The two pitchers were signed to minor-league contracts and will serve as non-roster depth for the time being. However, their services could be called upon at some point, but it would necessitate putting them to the 40-man roster. Based on their MiLB profiles, both have been sent to Triple-A Gwinnett.
