Yesterday, former Atlanta Braves starting pitcher top prospect Hurston Waldrep was removed from his start with the Gwinnett Stripers after his velocity dropped three-dozen pitches into his start. The severity of the issue is not yet known.
Waldrep was thrust into action almost one year ago with Atlanta and took advantage of his opportunity, making nine starts, and gave the Braves optimism about his viability as a starting pitcher option in 2026.
Unfortunately, Waldrep had loose bodies removed in his
elbow before the start of the regular season and was on the 60-day IL until June. He returned to big league action in late June and made three appearances with Atlanta – including two starts – the last of which saw him allow seven runs in 3.1 innings. Waldrep was optioned back to Triple-A on July 10.
The set-back for Waldrep adds more uncertainty to the team’s starting rotation depth which is currently missing Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, Joey Wentz and AJ Smith-Shawver. Smith-Shawver may be close to returning after recovering from “Tommy John” surgery last year. Wentz has been lost for the season and Strider and Schwellenbach are both facing uncertain return times.
With prospects JR Ritchie and Owen Murphy unable to establish themselves in their first season of limited big league action, Atlanta may now have one less option depending on the outcome of Waldrep’s setback.
If Atlanta looks to add a starting pitcher via trade before the deadline on August 3, 2026, here’s a list of some of the players that could make sense for Atlanta.
