The Atlanta Braves, mired in a four-game losing streak, turn to rookie Didier Fuentes to halt their slide as they face the Athletics in Tuesday’s series opener. Fuentes, who sports a concerning 9.00 ERA, may be pitching for his rotation spot after recent struggles.
With Chris Sale sidelined and the Braves’ playoff hopes fading, the spotlight intensifies on the 20-year-old’s ability to rebound. The Athletics counter with Jeffrey Springs, who brings steadier numbers (4.25 ERA) into this matchup.
Speculation swirls about potential roster moves if Fuentes falters again, as Atlanta’s season teeters on the brink.
- Didier Fuentes is taking the mound for the Braves in the series opener against the Athletics amid ongoing rotation struggles, despite his recent rough outings.
- The Braves’ rotation remains thin due to injuries, including Chris Sale’s rib cage fracture and A.J. Smith-Shawver’s Tommy John surgery, forcing them to rely on Fuentes.
- Speculation continues about potential roster moves, as the Braves’ disappointing season has raised questions about whether they might retool at the trade deadline.
Did Didier Fuentes get demoted after his latest shaky outing against the Athletics?
The Atlanta Braves made a tough decision regarding rookie pitcher Didier Fuentes after his last start against the Oakland Athletics. The young right-hander struggled mightily, failing to get through four innings while surrendering five runs. This marked Fuentes’ third consecutive start failing to complete five innings, raising concerns about his readiness for Major League action.
Following the game, the Braves optioned Fuentes back to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he’ll have an opportunity to refine his command and secondary pitches. The move wasn’t entirely surprising given Fuentes’ 9.00 ERA through his first three MLB starts. Manager Brian Snitker emphasized this was about development rather than punishment, stating “We see the potential, but he needs more time to polish his game.”
Who’s taking Fuentes’ spot in the rotation? Braves pitching options explored
With Fuentes heading to Triple-A and Chris Sale still recovering from injury, the Braves face difficult decisions regarding their starting rotation. Multiple candidates are vying for the vacated spot:
- Tucker Davidson – MLB-ready lefty with prior big league experience
- Bryce Elder – Recently demoted but showed promise earlier this season
- Darius Vines – Having a strong season in Gwinnett (3.12 ERA)
- Potential trade acquisition
The Braves opted to temporarily shift to a bullpen game approach, with veteran reliever Jesse Chavez expected to open a game against Pittsburgh later this week. This stopgap measure allows them more time to evaluate both internal options and the trade market.
Why Jeffrey Springs could be the surprise replacement
One name gaining traction is left-hander Jeffrey Springs, who pitched effectively against Oakland in a recent relief appearance. Springs has previous starting experience with Tampa Bay and could provide stability until longer-term solutions emerge.
How bad has the Braves rotation been without Spencer Strider?
The absence of ace Spencer Strider (who underwent Tommy John surgery in April) has left a gaping hole in Atlanta’s rotation. Consider these troubling stats:
| Stat | Before Strider Injury | After Strider Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Team ERA | 3.45 | 5.12 |
| Quality Starts | 62% | 38% |
| Innings/Start | 5.8 | 4.6 |
This dramatic decline explains why Braves executives are actively pursuing rotation upgrades through trades, with Oakland’s Paul Blackburn reportedly on their radar.
Will the Braves make a trade for starting pitching before deadline?
As the July 30 trade deadline approaches, Atlanta finds itself in unfamiliar territory – potential sellers rather than buyers. However, President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos might pivot if the team shows signs of life.
Multiple reports suggest the Braves have scouted:
- Paul Blackburn (OAK)
- Tarik Skubal (DET)
- Jesús Luzardo (MIA)
What’s next for Didier Fuentes? Projecting his path back to Atlanta
The demotion doesn’t mean the Braves have given up on Fuentes, their #4 ranked prospect. The organization believes he needs to:
- Improve command of his secondary pitches
- Develop more consistent mechanics
- Build stamina to handle MLB workloads
Expect Fuentes to spend several weeks in Gwinnett working on these issues. His next MLB opportunity will likely come in September when rosters expand, unless injuries force an earlier recall.
Braves vs Athletics series predictions: Can Atlanta salvage the season?
The Oakland series presents a golden opportunity for the struggling Braves, as they face:
- A’s depleted rotation
- MLB-worst bullpen ERA
- Lineup missing key bats
However, Atlanta must overcome their own offensive struggles that have seen them score three or fewer runs in 11 of their last 15 games. First baseman Matt Olson’s resurgence (.310 average in June) provides hope.