Atlanta Braves' Hurston Waldrep Set For Step Forward In Rehab Program

In a 2025 season that saw much disappointment considering the expectations around the Atlanta Braves, starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep stood out as one of the few bright spots towards the back half of the year.  

But this past February, Waldrep underwent right elbow surgery after experiencing discomfort in his throwing arm at the start of spring training. The injury has sidelined him this season up until the past couple of weeks, as he is progressing towards a return to the Braves. 

On Tuesday, the Braves announced Waldrep will start for Double-A Columbus in a rehab start. The right-hander is expected to throw about 55 to 60 pitches, which can equate to around three to four innings. Waldrep has already appeared in a pair of outings in the Florida Complex League, where he threw two innings in each appearance.

Waldrep would provide the Braves with another option at the back end of a rotation that has been held down by starters Grant Holmes and Martín Pérez. Although a smaller sample size, the 24-year-old’s impressions as a starter last season were encouraging for the future of the Braves’ rotation. 

After he was recalled from Triple-A on August 9th last season, Waldrep made the most of his opportunity in the Braves rotation. Making nine starts in 10 appearances, Waldrep posted a 6-1 record and a 2.88 ERA. He effectively limited barrels and generated a high ground ball rate, becoming an arm manager Walt Weiss could depend on. 

In his most recent outing in the Florida Complex League, Waldrep allowed one run, issued three walks and struck out four batters in his two innings of work. Waldrep made his first rehab appearance at the level on June 1st. 

When Waldrep initially had surgery, he was slated to return in late June, and that appears to still be the case. As he began his rehab at the very start of the month, Waldrep’s rehab process can last at least three weeks to a month. 

At the Florida Complex League, Waldrep’s stuff has looked encouraging. His fastball has sat at the mid-to-high 90’s, while throwing his cutter in the low 90’s and generating heavy spin rates on his slider.

Currently, the Braves own very few rotation concerns. Their team ERA is among the top three in the league, with Chris Sale, Spencer Strider and Bryce Elder anchoring the staff. As Waldrep continues to progress, his arm can be a sneakily good addition alongside an already strong rotation for the league’s top team going forward.