Didier Fuentes Likely Headed for Bigger Role in Braves Rotation After Debut

The Atlanta Braves called up their youngest player in 56 years to start Friday’s season opener in Miami. Now, it looks like 20-year-old Didier Fuentes may be sticking around longer than originally expected, getting a role in the rotation due to an injury to their ace.

Didier Fuentes’ Promotion to Braves Squad

Fuentes, promoted just two days after his 20th birthday, became the youngest active player in Major League Baseball and the third-youngest in Braves history. The Colombia native is the youngest Brave to debut since Mike McQueen took the mound at 19 years and 33 days old in 1969.

Welcome to the bigs, Didier! #BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/7G2JVfTvef

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 20, 2025

Ranked as Atlanta’s No. 10 prospect, Fuentes has pitched at three minor league levels this season. Across nine starts, he logged 48 strikeouts and 12 walks in 39 1/3 innings. However, he posted a 4.81 ERA and an 0–7 record.

Fuentes’ MLB Debut vs. Marlins

On Friday, Fuentes made his major league debut against the Miami Marlins. He pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits, while striking out three and walking one. He relied heavily on his fastball.

Fuentes’ first allowed run came in the second inning on an RBI single from Liam Hicks. An inning later, Agustín Ramírez tagged him for his first big-league homer with a three-run blast to left. Fuentes then settled in nicely as the game progressed, retiring six of the final seven batters he faced to finish strong.

Didier Fuentes, Nasty 80mph Curveball. 😨

1st MLB K pic.twitter.com/TpxcZgQ0GJ

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 20, 2025

Braves manager Brian Snitker praised the young right-hander’s presence on the mound.

“I thought he was poised,” Snitker said. “I’ll tell you what, that fastball at the bottom of the zone had some kind of life.

“He was really good. He wasn’t overwhelmed by anything. I was very impressed by the secondary stuff. The makeup, how he handled everything [was great]. It didn’t seem like he was amped up or reserved at all. This is an impressive kid, and the stuff is real.”

Fuentes expressed his excitement about performing at the major league level following his debut.

“I thought it was amazing that I was able to take the mound out there,” Fuentes said via a translator. “I just thank God that I was able to get this opportunity to come here and pitch. It was good to be out there and just to be able to give 100%.”

New Role for Didier Fuentes Amidst Injuries

It seemed likely that Fuentes’ appearance with Atlanta was simply a spot start, but with a recent injury to the team’s ace, Fuentes might find himself as a part of the Braves rotation for at least a few weeks.

On Saturday, Atlanta placed ace Chris Sale on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left rib cage, sustained during his last outing on Wednesday. There’s no clear timetable for Sale’s return.

“With bones like that, they’ve got to heal before you can start the process, but I have no idea how long it will be,” Snitker said

Left-hander Austin Cox was recalled in a corresponding roster move, but with fellow starters AJ Smith-Shawver (torn UCL) out for the season and Reynaldo López recovering from shoulder surgery, the Braves’ rotation is in need of reinforcements. Fuentes could now be in line for an extended stint at the major league level, according to Snitker.

“We’ll just go with the five guys we’ve got,’’ Stitker said. “It’s just good to get the first one out of the way. I was very impressed with how he handled everything. His calm, his demeanor, everything on the mound, it was like he belonged out there.

“In between innings, I never felt any panic in him. He’s a very impressive young man. His stuff is really, really good. … I think the sky’s the limit for a young man like that.”

Didier Fuentes Likely Headed for Bigger Role in Braves Rotation After Debut — Jun 18, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) leaves the field after being removed from the game against the New York Mets during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

What Fuentes Brings to the Braves

Listed at 6 feet and 170 pounds, Fuentes has room to grow into his frame. Scouts have pointed to his smooth delivery, mid-90s fastball that can touch 100 mph, and his advanced feel for his arsenal.

While Fuentes’ debut was far from perfect, Snitker believes he has the makings of an MLB star, and injuries to the pitching staff offer him the opportunity to prove himself. The injury-riddled Braves may have stumbled upon a long-term piece of their future rotation.