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The Atlanta Braves have already been hit with injuries this Spring Training, much like they were throughout last season. It feels like déjà vu, especially with the issues once again impacting the starting rotation. Unfortunately, Joey Wentz is the latest Braves pitcher to suffer an injury.
“One awkward step has cost Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz the 2026 season. The club said Monday that Wentz tore the ACL in his right knee while covering first base against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. There was initial hope that Wentz had avoided serious injury, but further testing revealed the ligament tear,” ESPN wrote.
This opened the door for several Braves pitchers to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster. Didier Fuentes is one of the young arms who will begin the season with Atlanta.
“Right-hander Didier Fuentes has won himself a spot on the Braves’ Opening Day roster, ESPN’s Jeff Passan writes. The 20-year-old Fuentes made his big league debut last season with four starts and 13 innings for Atlanta, and he’ll now return to the Show in what Passan says will be a relief role,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Mark Polishuk wrote.
While Fuentes will make the roster, the Braves have made it clear that there is a plan in place. That plan includes sending him down after the stretch of 13 games in 13 days.
“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 will begin the season as a depth piece before being sent down to build up as a starter. He is expected to get another opportunity at the major league level, but for now, the Braves are being intentional with his development.
Atlanta will likely continue to make moves, especially with the final rotation spot still unsettled. For now, Bryce Elder appears to have the edge, but Fuentes could ultimately prove himself to be the right option for the Braves.
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