We Braves fans learned a bit about Hurston Waldrep today and that is… he’s just not ready. His arsenal is elite, but his location is the opposite of elite. He was pulled with 1 out in the 4th inning, his pitch count was already at 71, and had allowed 9 people to reach base. Projecting those numbers through 5 innings, it would’ve taken him 100 pitches just to get through 5. So many of his pitches were non-competitive and he clearly showed he’s just not ready yet. I think Waldrep has a bright future in this game as both his velo and breaking stuff are top notch, but they have to be in the vicinity of the plate.
The Rays scored only 1 in the first, even though 4 players reached base. A hard hit GiDP and a caught stealing bailed out Waldrep, and Jarred Kelenic immediately got it back in the bottom of the inning with a solo dinger, Travis D’Arnaud added another solo HR in the 2nd, and Brandon Lowe tied it back up in the 3rd.
This is where the game gets pull your hair out frustrating: Waldrep lost the plate.
- Josh Lowe Ks
- Randy Arozarena, HBP
- Richie Palacios, BB
- Jose Siri BB
Pull, him, Snit. It’s a winnable game. Snit didn’t pull him.
- Ben Rortvedt, Grand Slam
- Amed Rosario, single
- Waldrep pulled
The Braves rally in the 6th and cut the lead to 6-4. Then Austin Riley ties it in the 8th with a 2-run homer. Raisel Iglesias comes on to pitch the 9th, throws a pretty good changeup below the zone, and Jose Siri golfs it out. Braves get a leadoff walk in bottom 9, but squander the opportunity.
Pros for the Braves
- The offense is continuing to pound the ball with 3 more HRs today.
- Dylan Lee hasn’t been talked about much, but has been one of the best bullpen arms in 2024.
- Grant Holmes, after 10 years of being a MILB journeyman, gets the call and throws 3 innings of shutout baseball.
Cons for the Braves
- Adam Duvall got a hit against a RHP today, but only 1, and it was of the single variety. He needs to sit against RHP and his OPS is down to .573.
- Orlando Arcia‘s offensive woes continue and his OPS is down to .614.
- The top 3 in the batting order went 1 for 14 today. The 1 was Kelenic’s homer.
Will AA Shop Early?
At this point, the offense is coming around, but there are guys like Arcia and Duvall that are black holes in the lineup. While there aren’t many that would be up for grabs right now, I’m sure the Nationals would at least entertain an offer for Jesse Winker. He’s getting on base at a high rate and would be a great accompaniment to Duvall in LF.
The Braves will host the Tigers tomorrow at 6:20 CT/7:20 ET.
gNats are tied for last WC spot. Don’t think they’re letting Winker go just yet.
Where are all the comments? I know the Braves lost, but it was a good game and we won the series! Go Riley!
Oh ffs.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/06/braves-place-hurston-waldrep-on-injured-list.html
Saw that. Dang diggity dang.
Why can’t Brian Anderson get a shot? He couldn’t be any worse against righties than Duvall. And in his one opportunity, he hit the ball hard. is it a defense thing? With Anderson in tow, maybe we can get rid of Short and replace him with someone else. I like the Wall placement and start. What is Duvall giving us that Anderson can’t?
What if Duvall, Laureano, and Anderson are our big acquisitions this year? Could Arozarena be a Soler-like opportunity?