Braves Face Tough Choices as Waldrep's Performance Wavers

WHO:

MLB.com - Braves manager Walt Weiss, pitcher Hurston Waldrep, pitcher Martin Pérez, pitcher Spencer Strider, prospect JR Ritchie, prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, pitcher Reynaldo López, first baseman Matt Olson, pitcher Raisel Iglesias, pitcher Owen Murphy, and pinch-hitter José Azócar.

Battery Power - Matt Olson, Mauricio Dubón, Ryan O’Hearn, Paul Skenes, and Jorge Mateo.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Waldrep surrendered two of Ryan O’Hearn’s three home runs and lasted just 3 1/3 innings in a 12-4 loss to the Pirates.

MLB.com - Waldrep walked 10 and hit two batters over 10 1/3 innings for Atlanta thus far.

MLB.com - The Braves have lost 17 of their past 24 games.

MLB.com - Iglesias' last blown save was on July 26, 2025, in a 6-5 loss at Texas.

Battery Power - Waldrep ended his night with seven earned runs on six hits, including two home runs, five walks, and two strikeouts in 3.1 innings pitched.

Battery Power - Ryan O’Hearn had ten RBIs in a single game, all from home runs.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The game took place at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

MLB.com - The Braves played at Truist Park against the Mets.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The Braves are looking to acquire a top starting pitcher before the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline.

MLB.com - Spencer Strider suffered a possible season-ending elbow injury on June 12.

MLB.com - The game was the longest Braves game in the pitch clock era at 3 hours, 42 minutes.

WHY:

MLB.com - Waldrep's performance is under scrutiny due to injuries in the Braves' rotation, including Martin Pérez's recent injury.

MLB.com - The Braves have run out of options for starting pitchers due to injuries.

HOW:

MLB.com - Waldrep's struggles included walking batters and giving up home runs, indicating a lack of readiness after his rehab.

Battery Power - Waldrep hit the first batter he faced and subsequently walked two more, leading to a grand slam by O’Hearn.

In a challenging outing for the Braves, pitcher Hurston Waldrep struggled significantly, surrendering seven earned runs, including two home runs, in just 3 1/3 innings during a 12-4 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. Ryan O’Hearn had a standout performance, hitting three home runs and driving in ten RBIs, while the Braves have now lost 17 of their last 24 games, raising concerns about their starting rotation amid injuries. With the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline approaching, the Braves are actively seeking a top starting pitcher to bolster their lineup as they navigate these difficulties.