The Atlanta Braves made a roster move after a loss to the Washington Nationals.
The Atlanta Braves are dipping back into their prospect pool, calling on one of their most electric young arms before Wednesday’s game against the Washington Nationals.
Atlanta has been forced to get creative early in the season due to injuries and workload management, and Didier Fuentes is once again being called upon to help bridge the gap.
The Braves announced the move hours before first pitch. “The #Braves today recalled RHP Didier Fuentes to Atlanta and designated RHP Ian Hamilton for assignment. Fuentes will start tonight’s game,” the team wrote on X.
The focus, of course, is on Fuentes, one of the Braves most intriguing pitching prospects. He was scratched from a scheduled minor-league start last week so he could be available if needed, and now he gets another opportunity to show why the organization is so high on him.
Atlanta has been careful not to rush the 20-year-old, but he has already contributed at the big-league level this season. Fuentes appeared in one game in March, allowing one run over four innings in a relief appearance while striking out four in an encouraging outing.
He was optioned shortly after, as the Braves wanted him to continue building back up as a starter. Now he gets a full start against the Nationals, a chance to prove himself in a more defined role.
Even if he is likely to be optioned back down after the outing, a strong performance could force the Braves hand. With the rotation depleted and innings needing to be covered, Fuentes has a real opportunity to carve out a temporary, or potentially longer, role.
His Triple-A numbers only strengthen his case for a spot in MLB. Through three starts with Triple-A Gwinnett, Fuentes has been excellent, posting a 2.16 ERA with 20 strikeouts in just 16 2/3 innings.
His command and ability to miss bats have all taken noticeable steps forward, and the Braves believe he is trending toward becoming a long-term piece.
Atlanta’s rotation reinforcements are coming, with All-Star right-hander Spencer Strider currently on a rehab assignment and attempting to return by the end of April, but Fuentes is a strong option to help stabilize things in the short term.
The Braves enter Wednesday with one of the best records in baseball at 16-8, and maintaining that pace requires contributions from their young depth. Fuentes now gets the ball with a chance to show he belongs, and the Braves will be watching closely.