The Atlanta Braves have had to do a lot of maneuvering to their roster recently. That trend continued on Friday as the team released a flurry of roster news. Some of it was expected, but there were a couple of surprises. One of Atlanta's top pitching prospects, Hurston Waldrep, completed his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the injured list. However, after reinstatement he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Walrep had options remaining, so it isn't very surprising to see him optioned to Triple-A to give himself a sort of spring training. He will need some time to ramp things back up before he's considered being placed back on a big league mound.
The #Braves today returned RHP Hurston Waldrep from his rehabilitation assignment, reinstated him from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta also released C Maverick Handley from the roster and outrighted RHP Carlos Carrasco to the Stripers. RHP…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 12, 2026
So, optioning Waldrep was not the most surprising move in the end after all once you understand all of the rules and considerations. Atlanta's decision to outright Carlos Carrasco to Gwinnett wasn't a surprise either. He has been up and down with the Braves all year long.
Braves' series of moves to bring Hurston Waldrep back was the result of roster juggling that is getting harder and harder to pull off
Maverick Handley being released was also expected, as the team will have to make room for Drake Baldwin, who may return soon. He will be a welcome sight with all of the struggles on offense lately.
Now, the one surprise was Jhancarlos Lara being claimed off waivers by the Nationals. It's a bummer, as there was a lot of potential there with Lara. However, he wasn't improving, and the Braves are better of cutting ties at this point.
Waldrep has the chance to join the team again at some point. He just needs to show he can stay healthy. Carrasco will likely float around until the Braves decide they need him again for one reason or another. It's been an interesting time for Atlanta, who just dropped a series to the Chicago White Sox. The series finale was postponed until August due to rain on Thursday. Atlanta was probably grateful for the postponement so they could get to New York sooner rather than later.
These aren't the most exciting moves in the world, but thus is the nature of managing through a 162-game MLB season.
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