WASHINGTON - JR Ritchie’s time has come.
Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed Wednesday at Nationals Park after the Braves had beaten the Nationals that Ritchie would make his MLB debut in a start at 1:05 p.m. Thursday.
Ritchie takes the place of Didier Fuentes who was called up Wednesday to make a start for the Braves.
“I’m excited to see JR,” Weiss said. “And this is a tough lineup, it’s gonna be a challenge for him. It’s going to be very left-handed, I’m sure, but he’s got weapons for that. He’s a good one. He showed really well in spring training. He’s pitching well. He’s a talented kid. I’m excited to see another one of our young arms, and he goes out there with chance for us to win another series.”
Ritchie, 22, was a first-round pick of the Braves in 2022 and is considered the organization’s No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. He is 3-1 with an 0.99 ERA at Triple-A Gwinnett and has 28 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.
In a separate move Wednesday, per Weiss, Dylan Dodd will be placed on the injured list with an undetermined injury. Veterand right-hander Carlos Carrasco will take Dodd’s place.
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