Braves’ Hurston Waldrep collapses after 3 innings in MLB debut

Baseball analysts always argue that every time a pitcher follows a batting order, it becomes more difficult. That was certainly the case for Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep in his MLB debut.

After facing the minimum for three innings, Waldrep then faced the entire Washington Nationals batting order in the fourth. Waldrep allowed four hits, including a home run, and two walks in the frame. He came out with two outs and the bases loaded, unable to finish the fourth inning.

The Braves bullpen also couldn’t escape the fourth without more damage. Waldrep’s three stranded runners scored a batter after he left.

Behind the only big inning, Washington beat the Braves 8-5 in the series finale.

Despite three solid innings, Waldrep finished with a lousy first MLB stat line – seven runs allowed (all earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks in 3.2 innings. He struck out 1 batter.

MLB.com’s Mark Bowman argued on X (formerly Twitter) that Waldrep showed some positives, primarily with his splitter. But he also said the 22-year-old isn’t ready to remain a consistent starter in the big leagues.

“Not many guys are ready after 84 IP,” Bowman wrote. “He and Schwellenbach help create extra days for Sale and Lopez.

“At some point, Elder & Co. will be able to do that while the kids get experience.”

In the first three innings, Waldrep faced the minimum thanks to a caught steal and a double play. But he didn’t allow a hit the first time through the order.

The final nine batters, however, went 4-for-6 with a home run and 3 walks.

After three innings, the Braves led by two, but then faced a 7-run deficit thanks to the Nationals fighting back in the fourth inning. Atlanta’s offense didn’t score again until the ninth.

Right fielder Jared Kelenic hit a 3-run homer in the final inning. However, this only cut Washington’s lead in half. The Braves’ slumping offense was no match for the Nationals’ big fourth inning.

The Braves have suffered three straight losses and lost three of four to Washington. After a day off, they will remain in the Mid-Atlantic to face the Baltimore Orioles in a three-game series beginning Tuesday.