The Atlanta Braves' rotation has been in-focus yet again lately. Everyone agrees that they have exceeded expectations, the fact that Reynaldo Lopez has struggled and Spencer Strider is nearing a return has created a lot of uncertainty in the short-term. It seems as though the Braves already landed on keeping JR Ritchie around for now, but another familiar face is making his return from the minors.
The Braves getting an off-day on Monday came at a great time, as they had a couple guys banged up and/or who were showing signs of being gassed after another stretch without a day off. However, Atlanta seems to be playing things safe at the moment and making sure that they have plenty of fresh arms available.
On Tuesday, the team announced that they were bringing Fuentes back up, placing Dylan Lee on the paternity list, and revealing that Ha-Seong Kim was continuing his rehab in Double-A starting Tuesday night.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Didier Fuentes to Atlanta and placed LHP Dylan Lee on the paternity list. Additionally, INF Ha-Seong Kim tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Double-A Columbus.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 28, 2026
Braves recall Didier Fuentes (again) as quest for rotation stability continues
It is pretty unfortunate to lose Lee given how good he has been and the fact that he is easily the most reliable left in the bullpen with Aaron Bummer not having a great start to the season. However, he is just going on the paternity list, so he shouldn't be down for long. A big congratulations to the Lee family!
By calling up Fuentes, the Braves are setting themselves up for success with this series against the Tigers. Fuentes last pitched on April 22, so he should be ready to roll whenever the Braves decide to slot him in. It would not be shocking to see him slip into the rotation plans, or the Braves may just prefer to use him as a length option out of the bullpen for now. It isn't like Jose Suarez isn't on borrowed time right now and Martin Perez could turn back into a pumpkin at any moment.
What will be interesting to see is how this move coincides with Strider's impending return. He was up over 80 pitches in his last rehab outing, so we could see Fuentes pitch and then immediately be the corresponding move to activate Strider. That won't come as ideal news for Fuentes fans, but that may be the easiest way to manage the roster for now.