Braves reportedly on verge of calling up electric top prospect with filthy arm for rotation boost

The Atlanta Braves experienced some fireworks during their series with the Los Angeles Angels. Reynaldo Lopez and Jorge Soler were involved in a brawl that resulted in suspensions, with López ultimately agreeing to a five-game suspension.

“Atlanta Braves pitcher Reynaldo López reached a settlement with Major League Baseball to have his seven-game suspension reduced to five games upon appeal, according to Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. López and Los Angeles Angeles outfielder Jorge Soler were initially given identical seven-game suspensions after fighting during Tuesday's 7-2 Atlanta win,” Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp wrote.

The Braves’ starters have been solid at the front of the rotation. One of the most exciting names during Spring Training was top prospect Didier Fuentes, who made the Opening Day roster. However, he was later sent down in hopes of stretching out as a starter.

“The Braves’ plan is for Didier Fuentes to spend the first couple weeks as a long reliever for Atlanta and then go to Triple-A Gwinnett to work as a starter,” Braves reporter Mark Bowman posted.

Fuentes has since made a pair of starts for Gwinnett and has looked stellar in both outings. In his most recent appearance, he worked six innings. With his continued success, it is believed that the Braves could call him back up at any time.

“The performance from Didier Fuentes on Wednesday night left the proper impression on the Atlanta Braves. The big question has been when he will be ready to return to the majors. The answer is sooner rather than later. The current expectation is that once the 15-day minimum in the minor leagues after being optioned has passed, Fuentes will be recalled, per a source,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.

Fuentes’ biggest knock last season was his command, but that issue appears to be resolved in 2026. The young right-hander is the third-ranked prospect in the Braves’ farm system.

Fuentes looks ready to make the jump as a Major League starter, which is an exciting development for Atlanta. After a rocky stint in 2025, he has the Braves optimistic about what’s to come—and it could be sooner rather than later.

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