Didier Fuentes may be forcing himself into Braves rotation plans

Didier Fuentes was not expected to make the Atlanta Braves' Opening Day roster, despite several injuries in their projected rotation. He may be forcing the Braves to reconsider.

Fuentes had a second dominant showing in spring training on Friday. He did not allow a baserunner in his three innings in the Braves' 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees, striking out five batters. Fuentes has now recorded nine strikeouts in just five innings, with the only baserunner coming on a hit by pitch.

Injuries had forced Fuentes into the Braves rotation in 2025 following a meteoric rise through their system, beginning the year in High-A before reaching the majors in just two-and-a-half months. His first look at the majors was rocky at best as he allowed 20 runs on 23 hits, including six home runs, and six walks over 13 innings, striking out 12 batters over his four starts. He would make just four more appearances at Triple-A before he was shut down with right shoulder inflammation.

Injuries could give Didier Fuentes a second chance to prove himself with the Braves

As Fuentes has just five appearances at Triple-A, he would have been likely to return to Gwinnett to begin the 2026 season. While his fastball and slider may be major league caliber, he is viewed as needing to develop a consistent third pitch. 

Injuries may accelerate Fuentes' timeline once more. Pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep underwent elbow surgery and will miss at least the first two months of the season. AJ Smith-Shawver will not return until late in the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. There is a path for Fuentes to crack the Opening Day rotation.

Fuentes has plenty of competition for that spot. Bryce Elder may be the favorite, but he has hardly proved that he can be more than a depth option at the major league level. Non-roster invitee Martin Perez has a solid track record and pitched well during an injury-plagued 2025 season. Fellow prospect JR Ritchie has pitched well in spring training and may be part of the conversation. However, if Fuentes continues to rack up zeroes and strikeouts, he may seize that opening to start the season.