Braves call up Fuentes for start against Nats; Sale pushed back

2:31 AM UTC

WASHINGTON -- Reynaldo López’s worst start created an opportunity for to come up to make his first start of the season.

There was an expectation Fuentes would be called up after López’s 58-pitch, one-inning outing heavily taxed the Braves bullpen in an 11-4 loss to the Nationals on Tuesday. But instead of providing bullpen depth, the 20-year-old hurler started Wednesday night’s 8-6 win at Nationals Park.

Fuentes lasted three innings after allowing four runs in the first. Martin Pérez -- originally slated to start Wednesday and pushed back to start Thursday afternoon’s series finale against the Nationals -- instead had to enter Wednesday's game for three innings, which prompted the Braves to announce No. 2 prospect JR Ritchie as Thursday's starter, his MLB debut.

There had been reason to wonder if Fuentes might start Thursday in place of Chris Sale, who threw 101 pitches in Friday’s win over the Phillies.

This latest rotation alteration ensures Sale, now starting Sunday against the Phillies, will make his next few starts with additional rest.

Fuentes, who ranks as the Braves’ No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, was the club’s most hyped player during Spring Training. After recording 18 strikeouts and posting a 0.66 ERA over 13 2/3 innings in Grapefruit League games, he proved he had distanced himself from the struggles he endured when he posted a 13.85 ERA over four starts following his callup to the Majors last summer.

The Braves placed Fuentes on this year’s Opening Day roster, but optioned him after he allowed one run over four innings against the Royals on March 29. The young flamethrower has posted a 2.16 ERA while recording 20 strikeouts over the 16 2/3 innings in three starts for Triple-A Gwinnett this season.

Recognizing that Fuentes might be needed to make a start or fill a relief role this week, the Braves scratched him from his scheduled start in Memphis on Sunday.

Right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton was designated for assignment to create a roster spot for Fuentes. Hamilton allowed three runs in just one inning during Tuesday’s loss.