The Atlanta Braves are bringing in Hurston Waldrep, their top pick from 2023, to play his first Major League Baseball game on Sunday against the Washington Nationals. This is part of their plan to give their pitchers enough rest during the season. Manager Brian Snitker says it’s important to keep pitchers healthy and playing well as the season goes on, so they’re giving them some extra days off when needed.
Waldrep, hailing from Thomasville, Georgia, was selected as the 24th overall pick last year after showcasing his talent through stints at Southern Mississippi and Florida universities.
Despite being relatively new to the professional scene, Waldrep has demonstrated promise, boasting a 3-5 record with a commendable 3.09 ERA across 10 starts split between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett this season. His journey from a hometown Braves supporter to donning the team’s uniform in a professional capacity holds significant personal significance for Waldrep.
Joining a select group of first-round picks from the previous year making their MLB debut, Waldrep follows in the footsteps of players like Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wyatt Langford of the Texas Rangers, and Nolan Schanuel of the Los Angeles Angels.
This debut not only marks a milestone in Waldrep’s career but also underscores the Braves’ commitment to nurturing young talent and integrating them into the major league roster. As Waldrep takes the mound, he symbolizes the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, representing both his personal aspirations and the collective goals of the Braves organization.