The Atlanta Braves are off to an incredible start to the 2026 season with very few complaints about the team's current roster. Each of Atlanta's starters is contributing at a high level, leaving fans little reason to consider possible replacements. Despite this, three starters deserve recognition for the effort they are giving with the Gwinnett Stripers.
It is important to note that this isn't to suggest that any of this trio should replace current options in the rotation, but rather note the impressive performance to start the season. It only furthers the team's current rotational depth, giving exciting options if injuries were to become an issue at any point over the next few weeks of the regular season.
1. JR Ritchie
Ritchie has picked up right where he left off in spring training, maintaining a 0.99 ERA and picking up three wins for the Stripers. Ritchie has struck out 28 batters, and a case could easily be made that he deserves a promotion. The issue for the Braves is that there isn't an open spot with every current starter delivering on expectations, if not exceeding them.
Even the previously demoted Martin Perez has been great, leaving the Braves no open space for a player who has more than earned a spot at the next level. At some point this year, Atlanta will have to find a way to get Ritchie a cup of coffee in the bigs, whether it is a spot start or a bullpen appearance; the pitcher is simply playing at too high a level not to be given a chance.
2. Didier Fuentes
Fuentes was so dominant in spring training that the starter was a surprise inclusion in Atlanta's bullpen to start the year. The right-hander would appear in one game and toss four innings, striking out four. The performance was impressive enough that Atlanta opted to demote Fuentes with the intention of the pitcher starting for Gwinnett and stretching back out.
The starter has continued to live up to expectations, striking out 20 in 16.2 innings, while allowing only four earned runs. The issue once again is that Strider is nearing a return, and the Braves have no open spots. As fun as Fuentes and Ritchie have been to watch in the minor leagues, neither starter has any chance of elevation to the active roster, barring a collapse or injury to one of the team's starters.
3. Carlos Carrasco
It is important to note that the veteran is considered to be emergency depth, and there is zero expectation that the right-hander will take the mound for the Braves unless it is late in the season to help set the stage for the playoffs. With that said, Carrasco has put his career back on track, eating up 21.0 innings over four starts and looking like the starter he was earlier in his career.
Should Carrasco continue to play at this level, it could open up an opportunity in another landing spot for the veteran to continue his career. It is a fun story for a veteran who appeared to be at the end of his career a season ago. If the resurgence continues, Carrasco will get a chance to resume his big league career, but it simply won't be with the Braves.
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