Hurston Waldrep is a step closer to the majors.
The Braves promoted Waldrep from Double-A Mississippi to Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves announced Saturday. Waldrep had a 2.92 ERA in nine starts, posting a 48 strikeouts to 17 walks in 49-1/3 innings for Mississippi. He is expected to start Sunday for the Stripers at Norfolk.
But the overall numbers don’t tell the story. Waldrep was lit up in his first two outings, surrendering 10 earned runs in only seven innings. In the seven games since, the Thomasville native had a 1.28 ERA with 41 strikeouts against 12 walks. Opponents hit .234 against him in that stretch.
Waldrep’s promotion puts him on MLB’s doorstep. The Braves called up former teammate Spencer Schwellenbach to start earlier this week, but Waldrep’s time shouldn’t be far away. A first-round pick out of Florida last summer, Waldrep was expected to make a quick ascension to the majors, especially with his lauded attacking mentality.
The Braves have rotated the fifth-starter spot, and they’re clearly in no rush to summon Waldrep, allowing him to develop at his own pace in the minors. But he’s an obvious option as the summer progresses; certainly, if he continues his success, he could make his debut at some point this season.
Waldrep could factor into the Braves’ future rotation plans. Max Fried is a free agent following the season. The same goes for Charlie Morton, who has contemplated retirement. Spencer Strider’s availability to begin the 2025 season is to be determined, but regardless, the Braves need starting pitching.
Perhaps Waldrep can earn a spot, but for now, he’ll try to keep his promising season going in Gwinnett.
The Braves also sent infielder/pitcher David Fletcher down from Gwinnett to Mississippi. The utility infielder has found some success as a knuckleballer lately. Off the field, he’s part of an MLB investigation regarding allegations that he bet on sports with an illegal bookie.
