For a team that’s already running away with the National League East, the Atlanta Braves might be about to get even more dangerous. Right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep, sidelined since spring training with right elbow inflammation, has taken a significant step forward in his recovery. His rehab assignment was moved to Double-A this week, and sources at MLB.com indicate the 24-year-old could rejoin the Braves rotation as early as July.
Waldrep’s absence has been one of the quieter storylines in Atlanta’s season — partly because the team hasn’t needed him yet. But his 2025 debut was hard to ignore. Across 10 appearances (nine starts), he posted a 2.88 ERA over 56.1 innings, showing the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that made him a first-round pick in 2023. The Braves had high hopes he’d anchor the back end of the rotation in 2026, but the elbow inflammation delayed those plans.
What Waldrep’s Return Could Mean for Atlanta
If Waldrep returns without setbacks — and that’s still an open question — the Braves add another weapon to a staff that already leads MLB in ERA. Atlanta currently sits at 45-23, the best record in baseball, holding an eight-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the division. That cushion gives Waldrep room to ease back into action, likely in a controlled workload out of the gate.
“He’s been building up carefully,” one team source noted, though the Braves have not confirmed a specific return date. The timeline points to early July, which would put Waldrep on track for a second-half impact. For a rotation already featuring Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Charlie Morton, adding a young arm with Waldrep’s upside could make Atlanta even more formidable come October.
Braves Keep Rolling Despite Injuries
The Braves have navigated a season full of injury concerns — catcher Drake Baldwin is also nearing a return — but the depth has held up. Friday night opens a three-game series against the New York Mets in Queens, a chance to further bury a division rival. Atlanta hasn’t played since Wednesday, after Thursday’s matchup with the Chicago White Sox was postponed due to rain. First pitch Friday is set for 7:15 PM EST.
Waldrep’s return won’t be a story of a savior arriving — because the Braves don’t need saving. But for a team already playing at an elite level, adding a pitcher with his talent to the mix is the kind of luxury that can define a championship run. Whether he’s ready to contribute immediately or needs a few rehab outings, the countdown is on.
The Braves and their fans will be watching closely. So will the rest of the league.
Leave a Comment