Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Optioned after making final start
Rotowire
Atlanta optioned Waldrep to Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, Grant McAuley of the Marietta Daily Journal reports.
Waldrep made his final start of the season Tuesday against the Nationals, so Atlanta will replace him on the roster with reliever Hayden Harris. The 23-year-old right-hander should be locked into Atlanta's 2026 rotation after collecting a 2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 55:22 K:BB in 56.1 innings this season.
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Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Earns sixth win
Rotowire
Waldrep (6-1) got the win over the Nationals on Tuesday, allowing one run on five hits and four walks while striking out five in six innings.
Some control issues in the third inning led to a run for the Nationals, but Waldrep was otherwise excellent in what was the final start of his rookie season. Waldrep recorded his first quality start since Aug. 20, but he had just one outing in 10 appearances (nine starts) this season in which he allowed more than three runs. He finishes 2025 with a 2.88 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 55:22 K:BB in 56.1 innings and will certainly be a name to watch for Atlanta next spring as he competes for a spot in the rotation.
Waldrep (5-1) picked up the win Wednesday, giving up three runs on five hits over five innings in a 9-4 victory over the Nationals. He struck out eight without walking a batter.
After getting tagged for eight runs in 4.2 innings to take his first big-league loss of the year in his last start, Waldrep came out firing Wednesday and blanked Washington for four frames before giving up a three-spot in the bottom of the fifth on four hits, including three doubles, to break a scoreless tie. Atlanta was able to take the lead for good in the top of the sixth to put the rookie right-hander back in the win column, however. Waldrep hasn't been able to complete six innings in any of his last five starts, getting pulled after 83 pitches (52 strikes) in this one, but Wednesday's effort was his first in the majors in which he didn't issue a free pass. He lines up to make one more start in 2025, at home early next week in a rematch with the Nats.
Waldrep (4-1) took the loss Friday as Atlanta got routed 11-3 by the Astros, coughing up eight runs on eight hits and two walks over 4.2 innings. He struck out four.
The 23-year-old right-hander finally got saddled with his first loss of the season in his eighth appearances (seventh start), and Waldrep gave up more runs Friday than he had in the prior seven trips to the mound combined as his ERA soared from 1.33 to 2.78 as a result of the disastrous performance. After throwing 103.1 innings across all levels in 2024 and 137 frames between Triple-A and majors this season, Waldrep may be running out of gas -- he hasn't been able to complete six innings in any of his last four starts. He's scheduled to make his next outing on the road next week against the Nationals.
Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Battles control in no-decision
Rotowire
Waldrep didn't factor into the decision against the Mariners on Saturday, allowing two runs on two hits and five walks while striking out five over five innings.
The right-hander battled command issues throughout the outing, issuing a season-high five free passes, but he managed to limit the damage to a Julio Rodriguez homer in the first inning. It marked the first time in seven MLB starts this season that Waldrep allowed more than one run, as he had previously been nearly untouchable since his call-up. While he has shown swing-and-miss stuff, the walks continue to be a concern and have capped his ability to work deeper into games. The 23-year-old will carry a 1.33 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 38:16 K:BB across 40.2 innings into his next scheduled start against the Astros.
Waldrep allowed one run on four hits and four walks while striking out nine over 5.2 innings in a no-decision versus Philadelphia on Sunday.
Waldrep has yet to give up more than one run in any of his six outings in the majors this season. While he walked a season-high four batters Sunday, his nine strikeouts were also a new high-water mark. The lone run against him came on a Brandon Marsh solo shot in the fourth inning. Through 35.2 innings, the rookie right-hander has a sharp 1.01 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 33:11 K:BB. He'll look to keep his early success going at home versus Seattle in his next start.
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