Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Beginning season at Double-A
Rotowire
Waldrep will begin the season at Double-A Mississippi, Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
The 22-year-old right-hander ended last season by making one start for Triple-A Gwinnett, but he'd made only three starts for Mississippi prior to that, so this isn't a demotion. It does mark Waldrep as firmly behind AJ Smith-Shawver and Bryce Elder in the pecking order for a potential call-up to the majors, however. Waldrep zoomed through four levels last year after being selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2023 First-Year Player Draft, posting a 1.53 ERA and 41:16 K:BB over 29.1 innings, but he didn't work five or more innings in any of his outings. He'll focus on improving his stamina and command at Double-A, and a midseason bump to Triple-A seems likely.
Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Reassigned to minor-league camp
Rotowire
Waldrep was reassigned to minor-league camp by Atlanta on Friday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.
Waldrep had an impressive spring debut March 3, when he pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and two walks. The 24th overall pick in the 2023 Draft could make his major-league debut this season if he pitches well in the minors.
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Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Solid spring debut
Rotowire
Waldrep walked two and struck out two without giving up a hit over two scoreless innings during Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays.
One of Atlanta's top pitching prospects had a good showing in his spring debut, entering the game in the fifth inning and promptly fanning Danny Jansen. Waldrep wound up tossing 19 of 34 pitches for strikes, and improving his control will be a point of emphasis for the 22-year-old right-hander this season after he posted a 41:16 K:BB in 29.1 innings across four levels last season in his pro debut. While he almost certainly won't break camp on the Opening Day roster, Waldrep appears poised to see action with Atlanta at some point this summer after being the 24th overall pick in the 2023 Draft.
Braves' Hurston Waldrep: Will be in major-league camp
Rotowire
Atlanta announced Friday that Waldrep received an invitation to major-league spring training.
The No. 24 overall selection in the 2023 Draft, Waldrep cruised through four minor-league levels last season, posting a 1.53 ERA and 41:16 K:BB over 29.1 innings covering eight starts. Slated to turn 22 next month, Waldrep is likely headed back to Triple-A Gwinnett to start 2024, but it wouldn't be a surprise if he makes some starts for Atlanta this season.
