Waldrep Navigates the Challenges of MLB Pitching
The Atlanta Braves rookie, Hurston Waldrep, is no stranger to the learning curve of Major League Baseball. Even after what he described as his statistically worst performance of the season, the right-hander continues to showcase his growth as a pitcher. In a recent outing against the Seattle Mariners, Waldrep pitched five innings, allowing two runs, including a two-run homer to Julio Rodriguez in the first inning. Despite the loss, Waldrep’s ability to limit further damage speaks volumes about his development.
Learning from Each Start
Waldrep’s journey is marked by valuable lessons gleaned from every start, particularly when faced with formidable lineups. “There’s a lot of things you get away with at lower levels that we’re going to get away with here,” he reflected after the game. “Going to see a lot of different approaches, which I think that’s what we saw.” His six-pitch arsenal, particularly his lethal splitter, has proven effective, but Waldrep recognizes that not every outing will be his best.
He has already faced tough competition, squaring off against teams like the Phillies, Reds, Mariners, and Guardians, all of which boast All-Star caliber talent. The rookie is keenly aware that initial success against these hitters is just the beginning. “It’s obviously good to do that at a younger age, to be able to develop that confidence and have success against those guys,” Waldrep said. “The real test comes when you face them a second time, to see how their approach changes and also how I approach it differently.”
Anticipating Future Challenges
As Waldrep continues to ascend in the league, he understands that the more he pitches, the more film there is on him for opposing teams to analyze. Experienced lineups are on the horizon, and he must be ready for teams that have already scrutinized his previous performances. “If I face the Cubs or Astros next week, like the mature lineups like that, you really see how they take the information from my past games and put it into their approach,” he noted.
Fortunately, Waldrep’s early experiences provide him with a solid foundation to build upon. Each outing, regardless of the outcome, serves as a stepping stone for future success. When an approach that worked against one quality lineup fails against another, he will have the opportunity to remain composed and make necessary adjustments in real-time.
The Value of Adaptability
Waldrep’s ability to adapt is crucial as he develops his craft. As Braves manager Brian Snitker points out, how a pitcher utilizes his “B stuff” can enhance the effectiveness of his “A stuff.” Lessons learned during challenging outings are not mutually exclusive from the insights gained during dominant performances. If Waldrep can harness his best stuff against a lineup like the Cubs or Astros, he could very well have one of his standout games.
His perspective on the season is mature and grounded. Rather than getting lost in the highs and lows, Waldrep approaches each game with a focus on incremental improvement. This mindset will serve him well as he continues navigating the complexities of MLB pitching, suggesting that he is poised for ongoing development and success in the league.
