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Who is Ray Kerr? Get to know the lefty starting for Braves in winner-take-all wild-card game vs. Phillies

The Atlanta Braves selected left-handed reliever Ray Kerr to open the decisive third game of their National League wild-card series against the Philadelphia Phillies. Opposing manager Don Mattingly countered by giving the ball to veteran right-hander Aaron Nola for Philadelphia.

Kerr, who overcame Tommy John surgery in 2024, made just his fourth career big-league start and was expected to hand duties over to righty Grant Holmes early in the contest. Atlanta aimed to utilize Kerr's semi-sidearm delivery and sharp curveball to neutralize top left-handed hitters Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper after both homered off a different southpaw in the previous matchup.

Kerr put together a strong abbreviated 2026 campaign following his recovery, posting a 1.47 ERA across nine total appearances and 18 1/3 innings for the Braves. Prior to reaching the majors through a winding path that included stints with the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners as well as time working in community college retail jobs, the pitcher grew up in the foster care system.

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