The Atlanta Braves, who have the finest record in the league at 40-20, will face the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series. Before the first pitch, the Braves made a significant pitching statement.
According to the club, right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep will start a rehab assignment with Atlanta’s Florida Complex League team on Monday. He has been out all season following surgery in February for his elbow.
The Braves are expected to be cautious with Waldrep during his rehabilitation assignment. They’ll be concentrating on his ability to pitch more and more pitches rather than outcomes. Overall, Atlanta wants Waldrep to be healthy.
Once his rehab task is completed on Monday, the team may begin to consider their next steps. They expect him to progress through the minor leagues with each performance. Assuming there are no setbacks, the Braves hope Waldrep will be a vital member of their pitching rotation.
Waldrep had a 2. 88 ERA and a 55/22 K/BB ratio in 25 starts in 2025. It wasn’t long ago that he was considered among the top prospects in Atlanta’s system. Waldrep was ranked second in the franchise and 90th overall in baseball in 2025. In 46 minor league appearances, the right-hander had a 3. 61 ERA and a 230/111 K/BB ratio.
Waldrep’s promise is still substantial, and the Braves are optimistic about his prospects. However, the first step is to simply return him to the diamond. Waldrep will take his first step toward his much-anticipated return to the big leagues on Monday.
