It seems when the Atlanta Braves called up Didier Fuentes, the team had more in mind than one start from the twenty-year-old rookie. The day after the rookie's debut, the Braves broke injury news, letting it be known that Chris Sale would be out for the foreseeable future. The veteran broke a rib diving for a ball off Juan Soto's bat. The starter made the play and stayed in the game for a bit longer, showing no obvious signs of discomfort. It serves as a great example of Sale's toughness and how focused the pitcher remains on doing anything possible to win.
With Sale gone for the next weeks of the season, Fuentes has a chance to lock up a spot in the team's rotation. There is no denying how exciting the young pitcher is, even if it was clear there were some adjustments to be made in his debut. Fuentes was able to shake off an early homer and get the Braves into the middle innings. Now, the rookie appears poised to make another start and have a chance to lock up a spot in Atlanta's rotation.
Braves Rookie Didier Fuentes Has a Unique Opportunity
Losing your best pitcher simply doesn't have a positive spin for a team that is still far below .500. However, there is also no denying that this gives Fuentes an opportunity to lock up his future role with the team. Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Spencer Strider aren't going anywhere. This leaves Bryce Elder and Fuentes competing to stay in Atlanta's rotation once Sale is able to return.
This is working under the assumption that a twenty-year-old pitcher can make the needed adjustments to stick in the rotation moving forward. There isn't one clear option the Braves can turn to if Fuentes doesn't work out, with past injuries already exhausting limited team depth.
If the Braves are serious about attempting to turn the season around, the front office could look at possible trade additions if Fuentes can't live up to expectations. Regardless, Fuentes has been handed an unexpected opportunity and must find a way to consistently give the Braves a chance if the team is going to survive Sale's injury and not lose momentum.