After a rough outing by Reynaldo Lopez that burned through several arms in the Atlanta Braves bullpen, it was clear that club was likely making a move to bring up a fresh arm. The biggest question was simply whether top prospect Didier Fuentes would be getting that call or not.
The Braves didn't make fans wait for long on Wednesday morning, as they announced they had designated Ian Hamilton for assignment, and recalled Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett. However, the Braves added a twist to the youngster's call up.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Didier Fuentes to Atlanta and designated RHP Ian Hamilton for assignment. Fuentes will start tonight’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 22, 2026
Didier Fuentes to start Wednesday versus Nationals
Fuentes is the Braves third-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, and the 93rd-best prospect in baseball. In his only MLB outing this season, Fuentes pitched four innings, striking out four, allowed three baserunners, and one run.
On Sunday, the righty was scratched from his start to possibly come back up to the majors, however, the assumption seemed to be that he'd serve in a long relief role like he had when he made the Opening Day roster.
This belief was furthered after the Braves were forced to turn to long man Jose Suarez for nearly 60 pitches against the Nationals on Tuesday. However, when the Braves announced the transaction, they also announced that the 20-year-old would be the starting pitcher on Wednesday.
With a string of 10 games in 10 days, this move makes plenty of sense to give their ace, Chris Sale, an extra day's rest, especially after the lefty threw 101 pitches against the rival Phillies. With the way Fuentes has been pitching in Gwinnett, reaching seven innings in his more recent start, there should not be any concern about how far in the game the youngster can go.
However, with this move, the Braves are taking a gamble that Fuentes, whose longest outing in the majors is five innings, will be able to cover some innings, as Aaron Bummer, José Suarez, and Joel Payamps are unavailable for tonight.
Ian Hamilton, the corresponding move to add Fuentes to the MLB roster, pitched in just one game for Atlanta after signing this offseason. He allowed three runs in his single inning.
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