Atlanta Braves pitcher Hurston Waldrep is getting closer to returning from injury after reaching another key milestone in his recovery. The right-hander will begin a rehab assignment on Monday, giving the Braves a chance to see how he performs in game action for the first time this season.
Braves beat writer Chad Bishop reported that Waldrep is scheduled to pitch two innings in the Florida Complex League on Monday. The outing comes after several weeks of steady progress as he works his way back from an elbow procedure that sidelined him during spring training.
Waldrep underwent surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow before the season began. The injury ended what looked like a promising spring for the 24-year-old, who appeared to be in position to compete for a role on Atlanta’s pitching staff. Instead, he opened the season on the injured list and began a lengthy recovery process.
Since then, Waldrep has gradually increased his workload. He first returned to throwing bullpen sessions before advancing to live batting practice. General manager Alex Anthopoulos recently said the young pitcher completed a simulated two-inning outing and threw between 96 and 99 mph during that session, a sign that his arm strength has returned as expected.
The Braves haven't set a specific date for Waldrep’s return to the Major Leagues, but his rehab assignment suggests he is moving in the right direction. The club will likely monitor how he feels after each outing before deciding when he is ready for a promotion.
Earlier this season, Atlanta transferred Waldrep from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list to create space on the 40-man roster. That move didn't change his eligibility because he had already spent enough time on the injured list to qualify for activation.
Waldrep's return could help Atlanta at an important point in the season as the Braves face a demanding stretch of games later this month, including 12 games in 13 days. Anthopoulos recently acknowledged that having another starter available during that period would be valuable.
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Atlanta's starting rotation has performed well despite dealing with injuries. Entering this week, Braves starters owned a 3.22 ERA, one of the best marks in the National League.
The group also carried a 1.20 WHIP, helping Atlanta remain among the league's strongest pitching teams. Waldrep has yet to establish himself in the majors, but he remains one of the most talented young arms in the system. The Braves selected him in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the University of Florida.
Other injured pitchers are also making progress. AJ Smith-Shawver has resumed bullpen sessions as he recovers from Tommy John surgery, while Joey Wentz continues rehabilitation work after suffering a torn ACL.
