Fresh off a statement sweep of the first-place Mets, the Atlanta Braves aren’t wasting any time making moves. On Thursday night, just minutes after their 7-1 win at Truist Park, manager Brian Snitker revealed that right-hander José Ruiz will be designated for assignment, and 20-year-old prospect Didier Fuentes will be called up to make his MLB debut Friday in Miami.
That’s right—less than 24 hours after slamming the door on New York, the Braves are turning the page and handing the ball to one of the fastest-rising arms in their system.
Fuentes Time: The Future Is Now
For those who haven’t been paying attention to Didier Fuentes, here’s the quick summary. He signed out of Colombia in 2022 for just $75,000. Now, barely two years later, he’s a top-10 prospect in one of the most pitching-rich organizations in baseball. Oh, and he just turned 20.
Fuentes has been on a tear this year. He started the season in High-A Rome and has rocketed through three levels, culminating with his Triple-A debut on June 14. In that game, he went 4 2/3 innings, allowing just one run, walking no one, and striking out six. His command? Spot on. He fired 46 strikes in 71 pitches, making it look like just another day on the job.
Of course, people really started buzzing after his electric Spring Breakout performance in March. He mowed down the Tigers’ top prospects in three shutout innings. Seven strikeouts, one hit, no walks—he made it look easy. And four of those K’s came on fastballs that climbed the ladder and zipped right past the bat.
Ruiz Out, Braves Rotation Gets a Breather
While the Fuentes news grabs the headlines, the other half of Thursday’s announcement is that José Ruiz is headed out. Ruiz pitched twice in his brief time with the Braves—once solidly against Milwaukee, then a rough outing against the Rockies, where he gave up three of the 10 runs scored that day. Atlanta had claimed him off waivers from the Phillies just after cutting ties with Craig Kimbrel.
It’s a tough break, but the Braves are clearly prioritizing arms that can help them stay afloat in a tightening Wild Card race. Snitker’s plan to insert Fuentes now is also a strategic one. By starting him Friday night, Atlanta gives its core rotation an extra day of rest. It’s a subtle move that could pay off in a big way, especially as the Braves gear up for a tough stretch of games.
All Eyes on Miami
The Atlanta Braves are rolling, the offense is waking up, and now one of their most promising arms is about to make his debut in the big leagues. The team is betting on talent and timing. If Fuentes can deliver even a glimpse of what he showed this spring, the Braves may have just added a new weapon to their arsenal.
