Dylan Lee Paternity Move Leaves Braves Standings Holding Pattern
The Braves’ braves standings picture got a short-term bullpen wrinkle Wednesday when Dylan Lee was placed on the paternity list and Didier Fuentes was recalled. Lee had been one of Atlanta’s more effective left-handed options, so the move trims the staff’s margin on that side while he is away.
Dylan Lee’s left side value
Lee’s season has been strong enough to make this a real roster change, not a routine paper move. In 13 innings, he posted a 34 ERA-, a 39 FIP-, and an 82 xFIP- with five shutdowns and two meltdowns.
He also produced 0.4 fWAR in those 13 innings after finishing 2025 with 0.3 fWAR in total. That gives Atlanta a reliever who had already done more in a small slice of this season than he did across the previous one.
Fuentes back for a third stint
Fuentes returned for his third stint in about four weeks, another sign of how often Atlanta has had to shift its pitching mix. He made the Opening Day roster, worked a four-inning relief appearance against the Royals before going back to Triple-A, then came back last week.
His most recent turn came against the Nationals, when he allowed four runs in three innings despite a 7/1 K/BB ratio and one home run allowed. That line gives Atlanta a pitcher who has shown swing-and-miss ability, but also one who has already had an outing that cost him runs in a short start.
Braves left-handed cover
While Lee is away, the Braves only have Aaron Bummer and Jose Suarez from the left side. Martin Perez could theoretically fill that role, but that would not matter for the series unless Fuentes took his starting spot.
For Atlanta, the immediate effect is simple: the bullpen depth chart changes until Lee returns, and Fuentes gets another chance to hold a place on the staff. The roster move also keeps the club from leaning too hard on the same left-handed arms if the game script turns early.
