The Atlanta Braves made a roster move on Wednesday, recalling right-hander Nathan Wiles from Triple-A Gwinnett and optioning Didier Fuentes following his brutal start against the Athletics.
Braves Option Didier Fuentes After Disastrous Start vs. A’s
Fuentes was tagged for eight runs, including three homers, in just one inning during Tuesday’s 10-1 loss. His outing got off to a disastrous start when Lawrence Butler launched an inside-the-park home run on the first pitch. Fuentes never recovered, surrendering two more homers to Brent Rooker and Max Muncy before being pulled in the second inning after allowing two more singles and a walk.
The loss dropped Fuentes to 0-3 on the season with a staggering 13.85 ERA through four major league starts.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Nathan Wiles to Atlanta after optioning RHP Didier Fuentes to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 9, 2025
Fuentes Fails to Build on Impressive MLB Debut
The Colombian right-hander, who became the youngest active player in MLB after being promoted just days after his 20th birthday, had initially impressed in his June 20 debut against the Miami Marlins, striking out three over five innings and showing off his fastball.
“I thought he was poised,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said after Fuentes’ first start. “I’ll tell you what, that fastball at the bottom of the zone had some kind of life.
“He was really good. He wasn’t overwhelmed by anything. I was very impressed by the secondary stuff. The makeup, how he handled everything [was great]. It didn’t seem like he was amped up or reserved at all. This is an impressive kid, and the stuff is real.”
Things quickly unraveled after that. Over his next three appearances, Fuentes struggled with command.
Despite the rough stretch, Fuentes remains the No. 10 prospect in Atlanta’s farm system and has shown flashes of potential across three minor league levels this season, posting 48 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings. He’ll now return to Gwinnett in hopes of regaining confidence and consistency.
Braves Turn to Nathan Wiles Amid Rotation Injuries
In his place, the Braves turn to Nathan Wiles. The 27-year-old righty has posted a 3.33 ERA over 15 starts for Gwinnett. Wiles gives Atlanta another option as the team battles through a number of injuries to its pitching staff.
The Braves’ rotation has been decimated by injuries. Ace Chris Sale is sidelined with a fractured rib cage until at least August. A.J. Smith-Shawver is out for the season. Reynaldo López remains without a clear timeline as he recovers from shoulder surgery. Spencer Schwellenbach is expected to be out until September with a fractured elbow.
Atlanta’s rotation depth has been tested to the limit, and Tuesday night showed just how dire the situation has become. With the season entering a critical stretch ahead of the All-Star break and the rotation facing increasing instability, Wiles could play a key role in helping steady the Braves’ pitching staff in the coming weeks.
Main Photo Credit: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
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