On February 23, 2006, the Braves signed Lerew to a one-year deal. A month later, on February 23, he was optioned to the Triple-A Richmond Braves. With Richmond, Lerew compiled a 3–5 record with a 7.48 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 16 games, 15 of which he started.
The Braves called up Lerew from Richmond on September 1, 2006. He made his 2006 debut the next day with a relief appearance in the fifth inning. Lerew pitched 2 innings, allowing 5 runs and striking out 1 batter. He was sent back down to the Richmond Braves on September 4, having appeared in only one game.
On May 8, 2007, Lerew made his first big-league start for Atlanta when he was called up from Richmond yet again, this time to replace Mark Redman in a game against the San Diego Padres. He was later sent down to Richmond again.
On June 20, 2007, Lerew underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery and was placed on the 60-day disabled list. He recovered from surgery in Southern Florida, at the Braves extended spring training site. Once recovered, he spent the rest of 2008 pitching for the Gulf Coast Braves and with Triple-A Richmond.
On March 5, 2009, Lerew was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett to make room on the roster for Tom Glavine, and was released five days later.
Kansas City Royals
On March 18, 2009, Lerew signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Lerew spent the 2009 minor league season with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He was called up in September and made his Royals debut on September 24, 2009. He re-signed with them in February.[2]
On June 16, 2010, Lerew was called up from the Triple-A Omaha Royals to the Royals to replace Luke Hochevar, who went on the disabled list with a sprained elbow. He earned his first career major league win on June 28 of that year over the Chicago White Sox.
On January 16, 2012, Lerew signed a bonus of $50,000 with Kia Tigers of the Korea Baseball Organization with Alex Graman. As a starter, he went 11–13 in his first season with them, with 94 strikeouts and an earned run average of 3.83. He was resigned with Kia Tigers for 2013 season, but was released on July 24, 2013.[3]
