Braves option one prospect to call up another to make MLB debut originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves got back on track on Wednesday after losing on Tuesday (11-4), with an 8-6 win over the Washington Nationals. The offense showcased its power by hitting four runs, with centerfielder Michael Harris II hitting two of them.
Right-hander Didier Fuentes — four earned runs and seven strikeouts in three innings — provided a shaky performance. Left-hander Martin Perez — two earned runs and struck out four in three innings — on the other hand, did well. Since both Fuentes and Perez will be unavailable to pitch on Thursday, the Braves made another roster move.
Since Fuentes won’t be available for the next few days, the Braves have optioned him back to Triple-A Gwinnett and are calling up right-hander JR Ritchie, per Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game. Ritchie, 22, is the Braves' No. 2 prospect in the organization and the 79th prospect in baseball, and will make his MLB debut on Thursday against the Nationals.
J.R. Ritchie, 22, is set to make his MLB debut on Thursday vs. the Nats.#Braves No. 2 prospect is 3-1 with a 0.99 ERA and 13BB/28 K, .167 BAA in 5 GS (27.1 IP) for Triple-A Gwinnett @GoStripers to open 2026. https://t.co/eHJve8SX3B
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In five starts, Ritchie is 3-1 with a 0.99 ERA, 13 walks, and 28 strikeouts in 27.1 IP for Triple-A Gwinnett.
To add to the moves being made, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that right-hander Carlos Carrasco will be called up to provide long relief. To clear a spot for Carrasco, the Braves placed left-hander Dylan Dodd on the injured list with a back or oblique strain.
This could be Ritchie’s only start before he is sent down. However, the Braves will need a starter for their game on April 29 against the Detroit Tigers, and Ritchie could be an option to get another start.
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