Fri Jun 20 23:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Braves Call Up Top Prospect Didier Fuentes for Friday Start Against Marlins**

MIAMI, FL – The Atlanta Braves announced today the promotion of right-handed pitching prospect Didier Fuentes from Triple-A Gwinnett. Fuentes, who just turned 20 years old, is scheduled to make his Major League debut Friday night against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park, becoming the youngest Braves pitcher in over half a century.

Fuentes, ranked as the Braves’ No. 10 prospect by MLB Pipeline, will be the youngest MLB starting pitcher since Julio Urías for the Dodgers in 2016. He is also Atlanta’s youngest starter since Mike McQueen in 1970.

The move is intended to give the Braves’ regular starters extra rest and bolster the rotation ahead of next week’s crucial series against the New York Mets. Manager Brian Snitker praised Fuentes’ maturity and ability to throw strikes.

While this is expected to be a spot start, Fuentes has shown promise this season, recording 48 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings across three minor league levels, with a 4.81 ERA. The young pitcher impressed in his only Triple-A start, allowing just one run over 4 1/3 innings.

The promotion of Fuentes allows the Braves to push Spencer Schwellenbach’s start to Monday against the Mets, with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, and Grant Holmes to follow in the series. Holmes, fresh off a career-high 15-strikeout performance, will start Saturday in Miami with an extra day of rest.

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