ATLANTA -- When Didier Fuentes is introduced with the rest of the Braves’ Opening Day roster before Friday night’s season opener against the Royals, some fans in attendance might think about what they were doing when they were 20 years old.
Kyle Farmer remembers what he was doing. The Atlanta native was playing baseball at the University of Georgia and fervently following his beloved Braves.
So, it’s safe to say Friday night will be a special one for both the 35-year-old Farmer and 20-year-old Fuentes, who were both on the Opening Day roster the Braves had to submit by noon ET on Wednesday.
Here is Atlanta’s 26-man roster:
Pitchers (13): Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, Jose Suárez, Fuentes, Raisel Iglesias, Robert Suárez, Tyler Kinley, Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, Joel Payamps, Osvaldo Bido
Catchers (2): Drake Baldwin, Johah Heim
Infielders (7): Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Mauricio Dubón, Jorge Mateo, Farmer, Dominic Smith
Outfielders (4): Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, Ronald Acuña Jr., Eli White
Roster notes
• When Fuentes was told he would be on the Opening Day roster this past weekend, the plan was for him to spend two weeks in Atlanta’s bullpen and then return to Triple-A to serve as a starter. The Braves may still do this. But with Spencer Strider beginning the season on the injured list, there’s at least a better chance Fuentes might get at least one start.
• Dubón’s versatility makes him a candidate to play any of the three outfield spots. If he shifts to the outfield, Mateo or Farmer could play shortstop
• Smith will most likely be the primary designated hitter against right-handed starters. Farmer or Heim could fill this role against left-handers. But Baldwin will serve as the DH on many of the days when he’s not catching.
• Elder has totaled more starts than any other Braves pitcher since the beginning of 2023, but this is the first time he’s made Atlanta’s Opening Day roster.
Season-opening injured list
• RHP Spencer Strider (left oblique strain): Braves are hopeful he will be ready to pitch within the next few weeks.
• RHP Spencer Schwellenbach (arthroscopic elbow surgery): Could return in late June or July.
• RHP Hurston Waldrep (arthroscopic elbow surgery): Could return in late June or July.
• RHP AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery in June 2025): Could return in August or September.
• C Sean Murphy (hip surgery September 2025): Could return during first half of May.
• SS Ha-Seong Kim (torn tendon right middle finger): Could return during first half of May.
• RHP Daysbel Hernández (right shoulder): Could be available at some point in April.
LHP Danny Young (Tommy John surgery): Could return after the All-Star break.
RHP Joe Jiménez (right knee surgery): Questionable to return in 2026.
LHP Joey Wentz (ACL tear): Will miss the 2026 season.