Braves Roster Moves: Hurston Waldrep optioned to Gwinnett

Waldrep hasn’t looked good since returning from the elbow injury he suffered right before the start of the season. The stuff has been fine, but he’s had absolutely no control of his offerings — giving up 12 free passes over just 10.2 innings. No pitcher is going to have success at the major-league level doing that, and even when Waldrep is in the zone, he’s catching too much of the plate.

The Braves rushed him back, most likely because they felt they had no choice. The rotation has been a mess for well over a month now. Multiple key pieces are on the IL, and Bryce Elder has reverted to the Bryce Elder of old. It’s left them desperately searching for answers leading up to the trade deadline, but it’s overwhelmingly evident Waldrep isn’t one of them right now. Giving him some time in Gwinnett to iron things out is absolutely the correct course of action.

Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman adds that JR Ritchie will start in Waldrep’s place on Sunday in St. Louis.