Braves send Hurston Waldrep back to minors after loss to Rays

It was an emotional home run for Riley. Around 2:30 a.m., Riley learned that his friend and mentor Mike Brumley, 61, had been killed in a car accident. Brumley was a former hitting coordinator in the Braves organization from 2018 until March 2022. He helped develop several young hitters in the organization, with Riley often crediting him for their growth over the years.

“There are very few people who have been role models in my baseball career; my dad being No. 1 and Mike Brumley being No. 2,” Riley said. “I feel for his family, his children and everyone he was close to. It’s a tragic, tragic day. Prayers to his family. It’s a tough pill to swallow, that’s for sure.

Riley saw Brumley several days ago when the Braves were in Baltimore. The two spoke regularly and enjoyed what Riley describes as a special relationship. Brumley was instrumental in helping Riley overcome his recent struggles, the player said.

Riley never went back to sleep after hearing the news and thought about Brumley throughout the day. He pointed to the sky and looked upward as he rounded the bases on his home run.

“It’s going to be tough going forward,” Riley said. “Just from a mental standpoint and trying to figure things out. Just pray harder and lean on God as much as possible. It’s in his hands. But just a tragic loss.

2. After two outings, it is clear that Waldrep is not ready for the major tournaments. And that’s okay; he just needs more developmental innings in Triple-A Gwinnett, where the Braves optioned him after the game.

Waldrep allowed six earned runs on five hits, walking four in 3-1/3 innings. He gave up two homers, including a backbreaking grand slam to Rays catcher Ben Rortvedt.

“It’s pretty simple: It’s not good, it’s not what we needed and it’s not what I prepared for or worked for,” Waldrep said. “It’s the game of baseball. If you could draft him and have a perfect game every time, I think everyone would. You go out there and give your best and sometimes you don’t get rewarded for that.

3. In two starts (seven innings), Waldrep allowed 13 earned runs on nine hits. He has eight walks against three strikeouts. The Braves have aggressively promoted the Florida product while continuing to evaluate their rotation options, but Waldrep should now benefit from a return to the minors.

“Experience is the one thing he doesn’t have,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s got some stuff. He has intangible assets. The whole thing. He just lacks experience. In the future it will be great for him. It’s always like that. It’s hard to sled here when you don’t have that experience, but you get a lot out of it.

The Thomasville native could eventually earn a permanent spot in the rotation, but a sample size of two starts indicates he won’t fit the team’s immediate needs. He said he didn’t consider it a setback and believed he would learn from the brief experience.

After all, a year ago at this time, Waldrep, 22, was pitching for the Gators in the College World Series.

“Mentally, physically; all of this last year was a lot, but it’s a lot to learn,” Waldrep said. “Mentally, more than anything, being able to learn from it all, grow and develop. It’s been a crazy ride, but I’ve loved every second of it.

4. The Braves promoted reliever Grant Holmes to their team before the game and he made his MLB debut in the sixth inning. Holmes, 28, was one of the Dodgers’ top prospects nearly a decade ago and persisted in the minor leagues hoping for the opportunity.

Holmes struck out outfielder Randy Arozarena to start a clean inning. He ended up pitching three scoreless frames, giving up two hits while striking out two.

“I was happy for him, a guy who’s been there this long and still fighting and coming through,” Snitker said. “It’s really cool. And he’s done a great job. I can’t imagine where our bullpen would be right now without him.

5. After losing Ronald Acuña and Michael Harris II, it seemed like the Braves would have a gigantic void at the top. But Jarred Kelenic quickly excelled in his new role. After getting three hits on Saturday, Kelenic hit the first home run of his career. He homered in consecutive games for the first time this season.

“I don’t see it too differently, I’m just trying to take it bat by bat,” Kelenic said. “Offensively, I think we’re going in the right direction (as a team).”

Stat to know

32-19; 6-12 (The Braves are a combined 32-19 in starts by Max Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, Chris Sale and Charlie Morton. They are 6-12 in games started by someone else. )

Quotable

“We heal (offensively).” –Snitker

Following

The Braves open a three-game series against the Tigers on Monday. Max Fried (6-3, 3.20) will face Tigers right-hander Reese Olson (1-8, 3.68).