Waldrep makes stellar debut in first AAA start
Sep. 26—THOMASVILLE — Former Thomasville Bulldog Hurston Waldrep has been racing through the minor league ranks as he has lit up the Braves organization. With just a few days left in the MLB season, it has been reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Waldrep will not be on the Braves post-season roster. However, it is clear that he will be an Atlanta Brave soon as he was called up by the Braves from Mississippi (AA) to Gwinnett (AAA).
Waldrep made history, according to Gwinnett broadcaster Dave Lezotte, as he became the first player in the Braves organization to play for the Braves AAA affiliate in the same year he was drafted.
In his stent in the minor leagues, Waldrep has played in eight games and has dominated. Through eight games, Waldrep has allowed just eight runs and has recorded 41 strike outs. He was most dominant with the Braves AA affiliate in Rome, Georgia, where he struck out 17 in just three games. He also played in three games with the Mississippi Braves where he struck out 11.
In his first start for the Stripers, Waldrep took the mound against the Durham Bulls. The former Bulldog proved why he was the number 24 overall pick going 4.1 innings on his way to another solid performance. Waldrep had five strikeouts and allowed just four hits.
Though Waldrep will not be an Atlanta Brave this season, this could benefit him. Waldrep will be able to finish out the season with the Stripers and then the 21-year-old will have an entire off-season to work with an MLB pitching staff, get to know one of the best bull pens in the game, and get comfortable with the Braves organization before making his Major League debut for the Atlanta Braves.
