Didier Fuentes to make Major League debut as Braves look to extend win streak against Miami

They did it… The Atlanta Braves actually swept the New York Mets at Truist Park last night. Now the looming question is… can they do it again?

Ok, let’s take one game at a time. Although the bats were striking hot and pitching overall was magnificent this past week, we can’t get our hopes up high, but it’s not a crime to bask in the victory the team is taking with them to Miami.

After another quality outing from Spencer Strider (6 IP/ 5 H/ 1 ER/ 1 BB/ 8 K) last night, Braves fans might be looking forward to what’s next on the mound against the Marlins.

Well, you might be in for a treat.

It was announced yesterday afternoon that the youngest player in MLB (20 years old), Didier Fuentes, got the call-up to the Majors after just one Triple-A start (4.2 IP/ 3 H/1 ER/ 0 BB/ 6 K), and a few days after his 20th birthday.

To make room for the rookie, José Ruiz was designated for assignment.

Fuentes is the Braves’ 10th-ranked prospect and was given the nickname “silent assassin” prior to his Spring break-out performance by former Braves player and coach Terry Pendelton.

The star of the show for his arsenal is his four-seamer, which has averaged mid-90s in velocity, and his curveball.

His start with the Braves will make him the third youngest pitcher with the team since 1966, and the youngest player to debut in the Majors since 2019.

Across three levels and nine starts in the minors, his ERA has been set at 4.81, but his game IQ and strike consistency can make him an asset against the Marlins.

His arrival will also provide some much-needed rest for the starting rotation, who are coming off a collection of valuable outings and look for more in the stretch ahead.

Miami Marlins relief pitcher Janson Junk will be making his first start of the season tomorrow against the Braves.

Junk recently recorded the longest scoreless relief appearance by a Marlins pitcher against the Nationals last weekend (5.2 IP/ 2 H/ 0 ER/ 0 BB/ 4 K) and has been noticeably improving his outings since being called up to the club in May, adding a spark to the Marlins’ bullpen and overall pitching depth.

Boasting a 2.78 ERA and 1.01 WHIP across a total of 22.2 innings this season so far, his two most-used pitches are his four-seamer (94.3 mph) and his slider (87.0 mph).

You can also expect to see a sweeper in the midst, with his curveball and changeup inserted from time to time.

With both the offense and defense, the Braves have shown in the past series against their division rivals, fans can only hope that they have a plan set to continue it on this road trip and build the momentum on this crucial stretch.