Braves' Chris Sale gives rookie Didier Fuentes ultimate nod of approval after perfect outing

May 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale (51) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves entered Friday four games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East with just a few weeks remaining in the regular season. The two teams are scheduled to play seven of their next 10 games against each other, making the upcoming stretch extremely important.

The Braves are in a strong position to make the playoffs after a disappointing season last year in which they failed to reach the postseason. On Friday, rookie Didier Fuentes delivered in a big way for Atlanta, pitching two perfect innings out of the bullpen.

“Didier Fuentes was the first man out of the pen, facing the eight, nine, and one hitters in the 8th inning, and retiring the side in order on just eight pitches. Partly owing to that efficiency, Atlanta sent Fuentes back out for the 8th,” Braves Today’s Lindsay Crosby wrote.

After the game, starting pitcher Chris Sale decided to spend some time talking about his teammate rather than himself. Sale gave Fuentes the ultimate nod of approval.

“Most guys his age are you know living on ramen and sleeping on couches. He’s pitching high-energy, big-leverage innings in the big leagues right now, and and doing at a very high clip,” Sale said.

The Braves have been extremely pleased with what they have seen from the rookie. Fuentes has already earned the trust of manager Walt Weiss this season, and Sale has previously spoken highly of the young pitcher.

“His stuff is a lot of fun to watch. It’s pure electricity coming out of that right arm. A lot of confidence in him. I think moving forward he’s only doing himself a lot of favors, maybe even getting back into the rotation,” Sale said.

Fuentes was brought into the major leagues as a starter, but his transition to the bullpen has gone extremely well. The Braves may not keep him in that role permanently, especially considering his experience as a starter, but he has been dominant coming out of the bullpen.

Fuentes has posted one of the better ERAs among Atlanta's bullpen arms and continues to make an impact whenever he takes the mound. For a rookie, he has shown an impressive ability to handle high-pressure situations without looking overwhelmed.

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