The Atlanta Braves’ pitching carousel keeps spinning, and this time it’s one of their promising young arms who’s stepping off early. Didier Fuentes, Atlanta’s No. 9 prospect, is officially shut down for the rest of the season with right shoulder inflammation.
Now, before Braves Country panics — no, it’s not considered serious. The team’s just playing it safe with only a few weeks left in the year. Fuentes didn’t make the trip with Triple-A Gwinnett to Memphis. Instead, he’s down in North Port, Florida, rehabbing at the complex and getting a head start on next season.
From Showcase to the Show
What makes this story sting is how big a leap Fuentes took in 2025. Remember March? He was on the mound during MLB’s new Spring Breakout showcase, flashing potential and making scouts raise their eyebrows. From there, he rocketed up the system — from High-A Rome to Double-A, then Triple-A, and finally into the Braves’ rotation in June when Chris Sale hit the IL.
It was a wild ride, but let’s be real: the majors weren’t kind. In four starts, Fuentes got tagged for a 13.85 ERA, with six homers given up in just 13 innings. That’ll humble any pitcher, let alone a rookie making his debut under the bright lights.
But here’s the thing — he didn’t sulk. Back in Triple-A, it took a couple of starts to shake off the bruises, and then? Boom. Confidence returned, the strikeouts piled up, and he started looking like the guy Atlanta hopes he’ll be.
Finishing Strong, Despite the Shutdown
In his last two outings before the injury, Fuentes was lights-out: 11 innings, one earned run, 16 strikeouts. The only blemish was a solo shot — the same home run bug that bit him in the bigs.
For the year, he wraps up with a 4.58 ERA in 13 starts, including a 3.63 ERA in Gwinnett over five starts. Numbers that scream “growing pains,” sure, but also “promise.” The raw stuff is there. The strikeout totals are there. He’s just got to iron out command and keep the ball in the park.
A Glimpse Into the Future
This is where Braves fans should feel encouraged. Look at Hurston Waldrep — rough debut, took his lumps, then settled in and started proving he belongs. Fuentes might follow that exact path.
The Braves didn’t need him to be an ace in 2025. They needed him to get experience, learn, and show glimpses. Check, check, and check. If the shoulder heals as expected, don’t be surprised if he’s back competing for a rotation spot as early as next season.
Another Pitcher Down
Let’s not ignore the bigger picture: Fuentes is just the latest name on a long list of Braves starters who didn’t make it to the finish line this year. By the looks of it, Chris Sale could be the only Opening Day starter to finish the season healthy. Everyone else? Ruled out.
It’s been a season of survival for Atlanta’s pitching staff — one bandage after another. While Fuentes won’t pitch again in 2025, he’s shown enough to believe he’ll be back, stronger, and maybe a key part of the rotation sooner rather than later.
