Waldrep endured an eight-run outing but remains a rookie with high upside for Atlanta, illustrating the volatility often seen with first-year arms and the potential to rebound quickly.

Waldrep struggled, surrendering eight earned runs in four-plus innings, helping Houston seize control early. His short outing closed the door on Atlanta's early momentum and forced a bullpen-heavy approach for the Braves.

Hurston Waldrep, the Braves rookie starter, faced Zach Cole in his first MLB showcase. Waldrep carried a 1.33 ERA into the game and worked two innings of steady work before being touched by Cole’s debut homer, illustrating the matchup between a top Braves prospect and a rising Astros bat.

Waldrep carries a walk-prone profile; in his last two starts, he issued nine walks across 10.2 innings, and a 10.0% walk rate for the year. He serves as the obstacle to Alvarez’s walk prop, and may influence Braves’ bullpen usage and game pace in this matchup.

Waldrep's strong start (4-0, 1.33) headlines a key Atlanta series that will influence Houston's path in a critical late-season stretch.