The Atlanta Braves are officially diving into their prospect pool—again. With the rotation in tatters and Grant Holmes hitting the injured list with right elbow inflammation, Atlanta is calls up Hurston Waldrep, their No. 4 prospect, to start Monday night’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals.
This move has been brewing for weeks, and now the Braves are finally pulling the trigger.
Waldrep’s Rebound Earns a Second Look
Waldrep’s first stint in the majors? Rough, to put it gently. In two starts last year, the former University of Florida ace surrendered 13 earned runs in just seven innings before landing on the injured list. It was a trial-by-fire debut that ended before he even got a chance to settle in.
But 2025 has told a different story—especially lately. Over his last six starts for Triple-A Gwinnett, Waldrep has posted a 2.43 ERA in 33 1/3 innings, allowing two runs or fewer in five of those outings and consistently giving the Stripers at least five innings per start.
That stretch was enough to convince the Braves it’s time to give the 2024 first-round pick (24th overall) another chance in Atlanta.
The Braves’ Rotation is Barely Holding On
Let’s look at the breakdown:
- Spencer Schwellenbach — Injured
- Chris Sale — Injured
- AJ Smith-Shawver — Injured
- Reynaldo López — Injured
- Grant Holmes — Now injured
That’s the entire Opening Day rotation, all on the IL. Joey Wentz has filled in here and there, and Erick Fedde and Carlos Carrasco were both recently acquired to stop the bleeding, but it’s clear: Atlanta needs more than spot starts—they need a spark.
Waldrep might be that spark—or he might be the next name on the shuttle back to Gwinnett, like Didier Fuentes and Davis Daniel before him. But unlike those arms, Waldrep brings high-end potential. He’s a power righty with a devastating splitter and mid-90s heat when he’s locked in. If he can command his fastball and stay ahead in counts, he could be exactly what Atlanta’s been searching for.
It’s Sink or Swim Now
In the corresponding move for Holmes, the Braves recalled reliever Daysbel Hernández to reinforce the bullpen, but the real story is Waldrep. This call-up isn’t just a chance for him to rebound from a brutal debut. It’s a shot to cement his place in a rotation that desperately needs new blood.
The Braves are clinging to playoff relevance, stuck in the middle of a season. Waldrep doesn’t need to be a savior—but if he can give them consistency, innings, and even a glimpse of his upside, he might just help keep the Braves afloat.
One year after his debut blew up, Hurston Waldrep is back. Now it’s time to see what he’s learned.
