The Atlanta Braves have called up right-hander Didier Fuentes to start Friday’s game against the Miami Marlins, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports. The Braves’ tenth-ranked prospect turned 20 on Tuesday and made just one start at Triple-A Gwinnett before receiving an aggressive promotion. Corresponding moves for Fuentes on the 40-man and active rosters have not yet been announced.
Didier Fuentes will join the Braves tomorrow to start against the Marlins. Fuentes is a 20-year-old prospect who has 48 strikeouts and 12 walks over 39.1 IP at three different levels this year. His addition allows the Braves to give everyone an extra day of rest the next turn
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 19, 2025
Braves Promote Didier Fuentes
This move is historic because of Fuentes’ young age. David O’Brien of The Athletic points out that at 20 years and three days, the Colombian native will be the third-youngest player in Atlanta Braves history, and the youngest since Mike McQueen debuted at 19 years and 33 days in 1969. Additionally, he will be the youngest starting pitcher in MLB since Julio Urias was 19 years and 362 days in 2016. Fuentes will also be the youngest active player in all of MLB on Friday.
Despite the exceptional strikeout-to-walk numbers, the rest of Fuentes’ season stats look shaky. He carries an 0-7 record with a 4.81 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in nine starts across three minor league levels, mostly Double-A. However, Fuentes has shot through the minors since signing as a 17-year-old international free agent. He also made a strong impression in the Spring Breakout Game back in March, fanning seven Tigers in three innings of work.
Future difference maker
Fuentes has a smaller stature at 6’0 “and 170 lbs, but above-average athleticism and plenty of time to grow into his frame. His fastball typically sits in the mid-nineties, but he can gas it up to 98-100 on occasion. He relies heavily on the fastball and complements it with a slider and splitter. Scouts have pointed out Fuentes’ advanced feel for his arsenal and impressive command for such a young professional, which no doubt has the Braves excited to see what he can do on the biggest stage.
