6 Atlanta Braves prospects with magnificent performances in the month of May
The Atlanta Braves minor league system is flourishing with young talent right now.
While the month isn't over yet, May has been kind to a few prospects across the Atlanta Braves organization.
Numerous names across Atlanta's minor league system have taken their on-field performances to another level this month, with much of this group ranking highly in the club's Top 30. Here are six of those names in particular, including what each has done so far this month.
NOTE: Stats current as of Saturday, May 25 - Prospect rankings according to MLB Pipeline
6 Atlanta Braves prospects who have impressed during the month of May
Hurston Waldrep, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 3-0 record, 0.71 ERA, 24:5 K/BB ratio, .213 AVG against across 25.1 IP (four starts)
The highest-ranked Braves prospect included here is Hurston Waldrep, as Atlanta's No. 2 overall has enjoyed a big month of May down in Double-A. This includes a 3-0 record with a 0.71 ERA and 24:5 K/BB ratio over his 25.1 IP, as well as opponents owning a .213 AVG against across those four starts.
Good Morning.
— Mississippi Braves (@mbraves) May 22, 2024
Good Afternoon.
Good Night.@HurstonWaldrep is through 6.0 shutout innings, 7 K's, 1 BB. pic.twitter.com/y5SD8Dppq4
For the season, Waldrep's numbers now sit at a 3-3 record with a 2.84 ERA and 41:15 K/BB ratio across 44.1 IP, with each of his eight starts coming in Double-A. Should he continue this success, the former first-rounder could likely move up to Triple-A soon.
Spencer Schwellenbach, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 2-0 record, 1.59 ERA, 30:6 K/BB ratio, .156 AVG against across 22.2 IP (four starts)
Sitting behind Waldrep as Atlanta's No. 3 prospect is Spencer Schwellenbach, who recently moved from High-A Rome to Double-A Mississippi in May. Across his four starts this month, with two coming with each team, Schwellenbach owns a 2-0 record with a 1.59 ERA and 30:6 K/BB ratio over 22.2 IP, as well as a .156 AVG against and no earned runs across his first two Double-A starts.
Spencer Schwellenbach (@Braves' No. 3 prospect) tallies 8⃣ K's over seven scoreless innings for the @mbraves. pic.twitter.com/1HmzM2ikKA
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 23, 2024
An often talked about prospect this season, the right-hander has also made eight starts up to this point in the year where he owns a combined 4-1 record, 1.80 ERA, 51:10 K/BB ratio, and .191 AVG against across 45 IP between the two previously mentioned levels. Because of this, Schwellenbach is knocking on the door of the MLB's Top 100 very quickly.
Owen Murphy, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 1-1 record, 2.12 ERA, 23:6 K/BB ratio, .158 AVG against across 17 IP (three starts)
Another of Atlanta's top prospects enjoying a strong May is Owen Murphy, who has made three starts with High-A Rome. Over that span, Atlanta's No. 5 prospect owns a 1-1 record with a 2.12 ERA and 23:6 K/BB ratio over 17 IP, while also holding opponents to a combined .158 average.
The former first-round pick is also enjoying a strong overall season with Rome, owning a 4-2 record with a 1.54 ERA and 60:12 K/BB ratio across 41 IP, along with opponents hitting for a .129 AVG against over his first seven starts. Similar to Waldrep previously as well, don't be surprised if Murphy is on the move very soon.
This sequence was bullying from Braves prospect Owen Murphy. Steals a strike with a first pitch curveball, then a hard 85 mph slider down, followed by a fastball with 22 inches of IVB from a 5.6 foot release.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) May 16, 2024
I guess that's what a guy with 60 Ks in just 41 innings looks like. pic.twitter.com/5Ruv2eEqQt
Drue Hackenberg, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 2-0 record, 0.78 ERA, 22:8 K/BB ratio, .152 AVG against across 23 IP (four starts)
Another prominent member of that High-A rotation alongside Murphy is Drue Hackenberg, the Braves No. 10 prospect. Across his four starts during the month, the right-hander owns a 2-0 record with a 0.78 ERA and 22:8 K/BB ratio across 23 IP, with opponents also owning a combined .152 AVG against across his four starts.
For the season, Hackenberg made eight starts with High-A Rome, owning a 3-2 record with a 2.75 ERA and 41:22 K/BB ratio across 39.1 IP, while also giving up a .189 AVG to opponents. Because of this success, the former second-round pick could also be a name to watch for as potentially being on the move shortly.
Adam Maier, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 1-2 record, 2.50 ERA, 20:0 K/BB ratio, .236 AVG against across 18 IP (three starts)
Maier, the Braves No. 17 prospect, has continued what has been a stellar start to his professional career over into May. Across three starts with Low-A Augusta during the month, Maier sports a 1-2 record with a 2.50 ERA and 20:0 K/BB ratio across 18 IP, with opponents also hitting for a combined .236 AVG against.
As mentioned previously, this season has been the first professional action for Maier, with the former 2022 seventh-round pick owning a 2-1 record with a 3.44 ERA and 33:6 K/BB ratio across 34 IP in Low-A, which is seven starts.
Fantastic defensive play from Sabin Ceballos ends the first inning for Rome pic.twitter.com/frqYltxLuB
— Garrett Spain (@BravesMILB) May 4, 2024
Sabin Ceballos, Third Baseman
May stats: .305/.423/.390 slash line, 5 RBI, 5 doubles, 1 stolen base, 14:11 K/BB ratio across 17 games
We conclude with the lone position player to be included, Sabin Ceballos, who is the Braves No. 18 prospect. Across 17 games with High-A Rome, Ceballos is slashing .305/.423/.390 with five RBI and five doubles, while also owning a 14:11 K/BB ratio offensively.
For the season, which is Ceballos' first-ever action at the High-A level, the former third-round pick is slashing .269/.377/.339 with 10 RBI, nine doubles, and two stolen bases. Ceballos will look to carry his success into the summer months with the Rome Emperors.
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