Atlanta Braves fans were not thrilled when word got out that Didier Fuentes was put in the bullpen to start the 2026 season. After a dominant showing this spring, many fans wanted the Braves to give him a shot in the rotation over options like Martin Perez, Bryce Elder, and Jose Suarez. However, there was some hope that he would get more opportunities, given that he at least made the Opening Day roster.
On Sunday, Fuentes came in and gave Atlanta four strong innings to give the bullpen a night off. One would usually think that would earn him more playing time and potentially a start in the near future. Instead, the Braves opted to option Fuentes to Triple-A after the game so that they could call Perez up to the majors.
Yes, that looks bad on the surface, but sending Fuentes down is not the slap in the face that some fans think it is.
The #Braves today selected LHP Martín Pérez to the major league roster after optioning RHP Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 30, 2026
Braves optioned Didier Fuentes, but don't expect him to be down in the minor leagues for long
The situation the Braves find themselves in is that someone has to start the fifth game of the season, and, with Fuentes throwing four innings, their only realistic options are to let Jose Suarez start or bring up Perez. Fuentes is not going to be available for a few days at least, so optioning him to the minor leagues makes some sense.
Of course, that raises the question of when he could return. By the letter of the law, any pitcher that is optioned has to stay in the minor leagues for at least 15 days before they can be called up again. However, that rule does not apply if a player on the big league roster is placed on the injured list. So, if we see Perez or Suarez head to the IL all of a sudden after they pitch or otherwise in the near future, don't be surprised whatsoever if Fuentes isn't the corresponding call-up.
It may seem annoying, but this is just how early-season roster management is going to have to work. The Braves are going to try to juggle their depth as much as they can to survive 13 straight games without a day off to start a season. Fans may want Fuentes to stay on the roster as much as is humanly possible, but reality is never that simple, and this move certainly doesn't mean that Fuentes isn't in the Braves' short-term plans.