The Atlanta Braves’ search for a fifth starter has revealed a new – and thrilling – piece.
Hurston Waldrep, a right-handed pitcher, was called up on Saturday, the Braves said. MLB.com ranks Waldrep as Atlanta’s No. 2 prospect, trailing only A.J. Smith-Shawver, and the No. 72 overall prospect in the league.
Waldrep, 22, will make his Major League Baseball debut Sunday against the Washington Nationals at 1:35 p.m. EDT at Nationals Park. Waldrep has already arrived in Washington, D.C. and spoke with media Saturday afternoon.
Waldrep was drafted No. 24 overall by Atlanta in 2023 and has quickly risen through the ranks. He only made four Class-A starts, one with the Augusta GreenJackets and three with the Rome Emperors, before moving on to Double-A Mississippi.
Waldrep, 6-2, 210 pounds, started three games for Mississippi and one for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers in 2023, giving him appearances at four different levels of Atlanta’s minor league system in his first pro season.
Waldrep impressed throughout his numerous destinations, ending the year with a 1.53 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 29.1 innings over eight starts.
Waldrep has followed his stout opening act with a similarly impressive 2024. He started the year back at Double-A with Mississippi, compiling a 3-4 record with a 2.92 ERA in nine starts. Tossing 49.1 innings, Waldrep allowed 52 hits and two home runs while walking 17 and striking out 48.
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