Atlanta Braves implement several lineup adjustments prior to facing the Miami Marlins in a doubleheader match
Atlanta Braves Recall Hurston Waldrep Ahead of Miami Series
The Atlanta Braves made a roster move ahead of their series against the Miami Marlins, recalling starting pitcher Hurston Waldrep from Triple-A Gwinnett. This decision came on August 9, 2025, as part of a series of roster changes that also saw infielder Vidal Bruján activated and reported to the major league team.
Waldrep, who had been excelling in Triple-A with a 0.78 ERA in four starts, was officially recalled to fill an active roster spot. His last start, a 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball against the Cincinnati Reds, showcased his readiness for the major leagues. Right-hander Hunter Stratton was named the 27th man for the doubleheader but later optioned back to Triple-A.
The Braves' focus for the remainder of 2025 is on player evaluation and roster flexibility, and these moves reflect this active approach to maintaining pitching depth. The series against Miami started on Thursday at Truist Park, with the Braves evening the series with a 5-1 win on Friday night.
Meanwhile, infielder Jonathan Ornelas was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after 16 big-league appearances this season. Ornelas returned to the minors after going 2-for-9 (.222) with a .300 on-base percentage in 2025. Dylan Dodd, a left-handed pitcher, was also optioned to Triple-A, with a career line including a 6.59 ERA and 33 strikeouts across 54.2 MLB innings pitched.
The Braves won Game 1 of the doubleheader with a score of 8-6, with Waldrep's start being one of the day's biggest storylines. As the club assesses its future rotation pieces while trying to salvage a series against a surging division rival, Waldrep's performance will be closely watched.
For his career, Ornelas has a batting average of .208 with 11 hits in 53 at-bats. Bruján, who was added to the Braves' roster, claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, will also be a key player to watch in the remaining games of the series. As of August 14, the Braves entered Saturday with a 48-67 record (.417), sitting fourth in the NL East and 18 games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies.
Waldrep's recall could be significant, as he may help address any potential injuries in the Atlanta Braves' pitching rotation during the series against the Miami Marlins, especially considering his impressive performance in Triple-A baseball. With his last start showcasing his readiness for the major leagues, spectators are eager to see how he'll perform in sports' MLB.
