Braves options to replace Didier Fuentes in the rotation

Didier Fuentes’ second start of his MLB career was mostly a nightmare. He was able to make it through the first three innings somewhat unscathed, allowing just one run from a homer to Ronny Mauricio, but the Mets seemed to dial in on his stuff the second time through. Fuentes couldn’t find the strike zone with his secondary offerings, and that’s always going to lead to crooked numbers against good offenses, as New York racked up five runs in the fourth, which ultimately decided the game.

It was an unbelievably tough spot for Fuentes, making just his 10th start overall above the High-A level against the likes of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and Pete Alonso in front of 40,000 hostile fans. Not to mention, the Mets entered last night losers of 10 of their last 11. They were desperate for a win, and they smelled blood in the water with a 20-year-old rookie on the mound.

It’s possible the Braves choose to look the other way and give Didier Fuentes one more shot before the All-Star break, but at the very least, they have to be considering the alternatives. Unfortunately, those don’t inspire much greater confidence.

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.