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Braves make decision on rookie starter amid struggles

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Alex Lord | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 7:47 PM ET

The Braves’ rotation has taken hit after hit, with Chris Sale’s fractured rib being the latest blow.

The reigning Cy Young pitched to the tune of 8.1 innings against the Mets when he dove for an infield hit that resulted in the injury, but it’s hardly the only. The Braves have now lost three of their five starters from the Opening Day roster.

Reynaldo Lopez had a shoulder injury, A.J. Smith-Shawver underwent Tommy John surgery, and now Sale. It’s been a brutal stretch for a club that can’t seem to catch a break.

In Sale’s place, 20-year-old Didier Fuentes got the call, and it’s been a promotion that was initially met with cheers that has suddenly transitioned to jeers. He held his own in his MLB debut, giving up four runs over 5.0 innings against the Marlins, three of which came on one swing. What made the outing encouraging was his stuff.

The somewhat positive outing and the combination of the lack of other options led to another start. On Wednesday, the Colombian got knocked around by the Mets, lasting only 3.1 innings in a 7-3 loss to New York, in which he allowed eight hits and six runs with one strikeout.

It’s become increasingly apparent that the youngest player in the majors isn’t quite ready for the big stage. Unfortunately, the Braves don’t exactly have better options, so the club will once again roll with Fuentes starting against the Angels, according to Mark Bowman.

Snit said he expects Fuentes to make another start. And yes, I mean I mean in the Majors

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 26, 2025

Fuentes has plenty of talent to get excited about, and a future that’s worth talking about, but it’s clear that the Braves are starting him out of necessity. The best options Chase has outlined are not inspiring.

Hurston Waldrep

Coming into the season, most viewed Hurston Waldrep as a prospect that could take that next step and become a significant contributor in Atlanta. However, there is a reason the Braves went with the much more inexperienced Fuentes first. Waldrep has had a ton of problems finding the strike zone, an issue that’s persisted throughout his professional career. He’s currently walking 5.5 batters per nine innings in Gwinnett, leading to a 5.60 ERA. Until he can start throwing strikes more consistently, the Braves can’t seriously consider him an option.

Nathan Wiles

26-year-old Nathan Wiles has pitched in one game this season for the Braves, allowing three earned runs over just one inning. However, he does have some more than respectable numbers in Gwinnett, boasting a 2.92 ERA in 13 starts. The fact that he doesn’t walk batters probably makes him a better option than Waldrep right now, but that alone doesn’t always lead to success at the major-league level.

Jackson Stephens

A blast from the past, Jackson Stephens has been effective for the Braves. Most notably, in 2022, when he posted a 3.69 ERA over 39 appearances, including one start. It’s not the sexiest option, but it might be the best one. The last time he appeared in a game for the Stripers, he struck out nine batters over four innings and did not allow a single hit.

Davis Daniel

Like Wiles, Daniel has also appeared in one game for the Braves this season, except he pitched a clean inning. Daniel’s stuff doesn’t inspire confidence, but he does have a 3.76 ERA in Gwinnett this year.

JR Ritchie

Ritchie is one of the more exciting options, given he’s one of the Braves top prospects. But like Didier Fuentes, Ritchie essentially has no experience above the high-A level. He’s made just six starts in AA this season, recording a respectable 3.86 ERA. Perhaps the Braves take another shot with a prospect, but it really feels like they need to keep these guys down and let them develop.

Blake Burkhalter

Another exciting prospect, Blake Burkhalter has a big arm and boasts a 3.43 ERA over 12 starts for AA Columbus this season. He’s a strike-thrower, and given his collegiate experience, perhaps the Braves feel a little more comfortable pushing him through the system faster. However, I highly doubt he’s going to net much better results than Didier Fuentes at this point.