Hurston Waldrep set to make MLB debut with Atlanta Braves on Sunday

Former Florida Gator and 2023 first round pick for the Atlanta Braves, Hurston Waldrep, is reportedly set to make his first MLB start on Sunday.

According to Braves beat writer Justin Toscano, Waldrep has been called up and is prepared to start on Sunday. Toscano tweeted on Saturday: “BREAKING: Hurston Waldrep is here. He’s starting tomorrow.”

That’s some very exciting news for Atlanta, and of course, for Waldrep himself.

Last sumemr, Waldrep went No. 24 overall to the Braves, becoming the 19th Gator to get drafted in the first round and the 12th pitcher to do so in program history. He’s the 11th-highest player to be drafted in team history and the sixth-highest pitcher out of 217 draft picks all-time.

Back during the Gators’ 2023 season, which ended in the College World Series Finals, Waldrep served as Florida’s primary Saturday starter after transferring from Southern Miss. He even led the team with 156 strikeouts, a 4.16 ERA and a 10-3 record in 2023 before turning pro. Waldrep earned 2023 First Team All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball for his play on the mound with the Gators.

Waldrep competed at Southern Miss for two seasons prior to Florida, earning Third Team All-American honors from D1Baseball in 2022.

He pitched to a 7-2 record with a 3.22 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 28 career appearances spanning 106 1/3 innings with the Golden Eagles.

Waldrep joined teammate Wyatt Langford as a first round pick, with Langford being drafted No. 4 overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Waldrep really out-did himself in the NCAA Tournament back in 2023. Helping Florida power through the first few rounds, he allowed just two earned runs in his first 21 postseason innings, posting a 0.86 ERA. He also struck out 37 (15.9 strikeouts per nine innings).

In his first start at the College World Series, Waldrep faced Oral Roberts. He won his 10th game of the season by pitching six innings and limiting Oral Roberts to one run, seven hits and three walks while striking out 12 batters.

In those three postseason start, Waldrep didn’t pitch less than six innings or struck out less than 12 batters. He was an absolute force, and Atlanta will be hoping he can look like that dude now that he’s in a Braves uniform.

On Sunday, the Braves will wrap up their series with the Nationals in a 1:35 p.m. ET start with Waldrep on the mound.