Slumping Braves need Martin Perez magic as they host the Brewers and the Miz

The Braves come into a rough stretch after going 1-6 in their last seven games, with three straight series losses, two rain-shortened. They sit one game behind the Dodgers for the best overall record and a half-game ahead of the Brewers as Milwaukee visits for a holiday weekend set. Friday's matchup pairs Atlanta right-hander Martin Perez against Milwaukee rookie Jacob Misiorowski, nicknamed the Miz, who has emerged as the season's standout pitcher. Misiorowski's 2025 debut produced 1.2 fWAR across 15 appearances (14 starts) with a 104/88/89 line; in 2026 he has 87 innings and 3.9 fWAR across 14 starts. He leads MLB in fWAR, FIP-, and xFIP-, and is second in ERA-; in his last eight starts, he has 80 strikeouts and 9 walks, including a 15-strikeout, 95-pitch outing against the Phillies.

Perez has been the Braves' unexpectedly solid option, posting 0.8 fWAR through 62 innings with a 70/93/94 line. The veteran right-hander has evolved into a reliable, short-outing presence that keeps games competitive. Milwaukee will rely on its lineup to back Misiorowski’s high-octane stuff while Atlanta looks to regain momentum. The game is set for Friday, June 19, at 7:15 p.m. EDT at Truist Park in Atlanta, with BravesVision on TV, MLB.tv streaming, and radio coverage on 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan.