ATLANTA — One of the silver linings to what has been a largely disappointing 2024 season for the Atlanta Braves could be a golden addition to the rotation in 2025.
Hurston Waldrep, having taken advantage of the opportunity that came after all five starting pitchers from Atlanta’s opening day roster ended up on the injured list by this summer, has certainly given the Braves a lot to think about.
Waldrep struck out seven batters in seven innings Wednesday night as the Braves beat the Chicago White Sox 1-0 to wrap up a series win at Truist Park. The low-scoring affair followed a 13-9 win for the American League’s White Sox on Monday and an 11-10 victory for the National League’s Braves on Tuesday.
In the finale, designated hitter Marcell Ozuna scored from third base on an infield error in the third inning, Atlanta reliever Pierce Johnson pitched a perfect eighth, and Raisel Igelesias worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his 21st save of the season as the Braves (58-69) picked up their 11th win in the past 14 games and their fifth series wins in the past six opportunities.
Waldrep (4-0), a Georgia native making his fourth start this season and the fifth of his MLB career allowed four hits and walked one batter. The seven strikeouts are the 23-year-old right-hander’s most as an MLB pitcher, and he has 24 strikeouts in just 24 2/3 innings pitched this season.