The Braves 2023 first round pick returns to Gwinett
When the Atlanta Braves took Hurston Waldrep with the 24th overall pick last season there was certainly excitement about his future, but also the understanding that the Florida Gators star pitcher would be more of a project than many college arm. Possessing one of the best splitters in the game and a fastball sitting in the mid-90s there was certainly top-of-the-rotation potential in Waldrep’s right arm, but command issues that had many concerned for a bullpen future. Waldrep has come into the professional ranks and done nothing but dominate at every level, streaking through the system to reach Triple-A for a single start last year. Atlanta pumped the brakes a bit by sending him down to Mississippi to start this season (partially due to the number of pitchers at Triple-A needing starts) but after just nine starts in 2024 he has already been deemed ready for a Stripers return.
Saturday Roster Moves
RHP Hurston Waldrep transferred from Mississippi to Triple-A Gwinnett. INF/RHP David Fletcher transferred to Mississippi from Gwinnett.
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) June 1, 2024
Waldrep got off to a slow start this season, as the Braves limited the usage of his dominant splitter in order to focus on the development of his slider and his fastball command. Atlanta unleased him over his final few starts in Mississippi, and it seemed their development plan paid dividends as he was dominant as part of a great trio of pitchers for the Double-A Braves. Waldrep hasn’t allowed more than two earned runs in any start since April 20th, and over his past three outings showed elite form. Waldrep has issued just three walks in his past 19 innings, while striking out 23 batters and posting a 1.56 FIP. He seems clearly ready for Triple-A, though it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the tighter zone pose some problems for him as it did Ian Mejia in his earlier start this season.