Atlanta Braves Facing Sudden Starting Rotation Decision

· Yahoo Sports

The Atlanta Braves have dealt with starting pitching uncertainty throughout spring training. Both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are expected to miss time with injuries, while Joey Wentz is expected to miss the season due to an injury. At the moment, the Braves' rotation is set to include Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes. While Bryce Elder could land the No. 5 spot, another pitcher is emerging as a candidate.

Atlanta's No. 3 overall prospect Didier Fuentes has impressed throughout spring training. He was tremendous once again in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, as the right-handed pitcher recorded four shutout innings while coming out of the bullpen. Fuentes added eight strikeouts in the stellar effort.

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Fuentes has now appeared in three spring training games, making one start. He has yet to allow a run this spring across his nine innings of work.

So, will Fuentes be considered for the Opening Day roster?

Didier Fuentes' 2026 Outlook

According to MLB.com, Fuentes' MLB ETA is set for 2026. He seems to be ready for the next level.

However, Fuentes endured an up and down 2025 performance in the minor leagues. He ultimately turned in a 4.58 ERA between three levels of minor league baseball. He did make five starts at Triple-A, though, recording a respectable 3.63 ERA in his 22.1 innings on the mound. 

Fuentes made his MLB debut last year as well. The results were far from ideal, though. Fuentes ultimately allowed 20 earned runs in only 13 innings of work across four starts. 

Fuentes struggled to make the adjustment to the big leagues a season ago, but he seems to have figured things out so far this spring 

In all reality, Fuentes will probably still begin the new campaign in the minor leagues. The Braves are not going to rush him to the big league level. With that being said, one has to wonder if Fuentes may still be in the conversation.

He has been incredible during spring training while Bryce Elder has pitched to a lackluster 4.73 ERA in his four spring outings. Martin Perez has pitched well, as he holds a 2.84 ERA. Still, Fuentes has performed the best of the possible No. 5 rotation candidates.

Even if he does not make the team, Fuentes is a pitcher who could end up in Atlanta in the early portion of the regular season.

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