Young right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep really impressed during his 2025 debut with the Atlanta Braves about a week ago. Because he was the 27th man for the Speedway Classic rainout fiasco, Waldrep was sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett with the expectation he would return for Saturday's doubleheader against the Marlins in the same role.
Well, Waldrep did return to Atlanta on Saturday, but not in the capacity any of us expected. Instead of appointing Waldrep as the 27th man once again, the Braves front office decided to recall Waldrep to Atlanta on a more permanent basis while optioning LHP Dylan Dodd, and appointed RHP Hunter Stratton as the 27th man. Recently acquired infielder Vidal Bruján was called up to Atlanta as well, and Jonathan Ornelas was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett in his place.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Hurston Waldrep and reported INF Vidal Bruján to Atlanta, after optioning INF Jonathan Ornelas and LHP Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game. Additionally, the club appointed RHP Hunter Stratton as the additional player for…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 9, 2025
Hurston Waldrep could finish the season in the Braves rotation as long as he pitches well
Carlos Carrasco, Erick Fedde, Bryce Elder, and Joey Wentz all currently occupy a spot in the Braves rotation. Because none of these names are believed to be long-term answers in the rotation, promoting Waldrep opens the door for the Braves to evaluate him more intently over the final two months of the season.
Just a week ago against the Reds, Waldrep showcased the upside that inclined the Braves to select him the first round of the 2023 draft. Consistency with his command is the biggest question for Waldrep in determining if he can stay in a Major League rotation. Since it appears Waldrep is going to get at least a few starts down the stretch, Alex Anthopoulos will get a chance to gage Waldrep's dependability for 2026.
The Braves will hopefully be aggressive during the offseason in attempting to add quality arms, but right now the 2026 rotation projects to be Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Spencer Strider, and a bunch of guys dealing with injury questions. AJ Smith-Shawver will miss all of 2026, Grant Holmes may be facing eventual elbow surgery, and Reynaldo Lopez is still an unknown entity at this point. Waldrep performing well over these final 40+ games would be a huge boost to say the least.