Former Florida Gators Ace Dominating in Pros with 18 Consecutive Scoreless Innings…see more…
In the high-stakes world of professional baseball, few accomplishments shine as brightly as sustained dominance on the mound. That’s exactly what former Florida Gators pitching standout Hurston Waldrep is delivering right now. The former NCAA ace has reeled off 18 consecutive scoreless innings in the minors, turning heads and accelerating his trajectory toward a potential major league debut.
Drafted in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Waldrep is proving exactly why scouts were so high on him coming out of Gainesville. Now in his second full season as a professional, the hard-throwing right-hander has caught fire — stringing together three brilliant outings for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers without yielding a single run.
This scoreless streak is more than just a stat; it’s a statement — Waldrep is making it clear that he’s ready for the next level.
—
From Gator Greatness to Pro Promise
Waldrep’s collegiate career at Florida was nothing short of electric. After transferring from Southern Miss, he wasted no time asserting himself as a force in the SEC. Armed with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and one of the best splitters in college baseball, Waldrep racked up strikeouts and big-game experience, leading the Gators to the College World Series final in 2023.
Though Florida ultimately fell short against LSU, Waldrep’s performance during the postseason cemented his status as a top pitching prospect. His 13-strikeout performance against South Carolina in the Super Regionals still stands as one of the most dominant playoff outings in recent memory for Florida.
Scouts raved about his bulldog mentality, devastating off-speed arsenal, and fierce competitiveness — traits that are now blossoming under the spotlight of professional ball.
—
The Scoreless Streak: Breaking Down the Dominance
Waldrep’s current run has seen him toss 18 straight innings without allowing a run, striking out 26 batters, walking just four, and giving up only nine hits over that span.
Each of the last three starts has built upon the previous one:
Start 1: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 8 K
Start 2: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 9 K
Start 3: 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 9 K
The efficiency is as impressive as the effectiveness. Waldrep has kept his pitch count low by getting ahead early in counts and inducing weak contact with his split-fingered fastball. His ability to command his arsenal — especially his newly refined slider — has taken his game to another level.
More importantly, he’s showcasing maturity and composure. In a recent interview with local media, Stripers pitching coach Doug Mathis emphasized Waldrep’s growth:
> “He’s not just throwing hard anymore. He’s pitching. That’s a huge leap for a young arm. He’s locating, adjusting mid-game, and attacking hitters with purpose. You can’t ask for much more from a guy knocking on the MLB door.”
—
MLB Call-Up Looming?
The Atlanta Braves, always known for developing top-tier pitching, could soon have a decision to make. With the back end of their rotation facing injuries and inconsistency, Waldrep’s streak might come at the perfect time.
There’s already buzz among Braves fans and insiders that he could debut later this summer, especially if his dominance continues. The Braves have not publicly indicated a call-up is imminent, but the momentum is building.
Veteran Braves reporter Mark Bowman of MLB.com noted earlier this week:
> “If Waldrep keeps dealing like this, it’s not a matter of if, but when. The Braves are watching closely — and they like what they see.”
Should Waldrep make the leap, he’d join a long list of Florida Gator pitchers to reach The Show, including Logan Shore, Brady Singer, and A.J. Puk. But unlike many, he’d arrive with considerable fanfare — and expectations.
—
Backed by the Gator Nation
Back in Gainesville, Gators fans are following Waldrep’s journey with pride. Florida head coach Kevin O’Sullivan, who helped develop Waldrep’s mechanics and confidence, expressed admiration for his former ace’s growth.
> “Hurston was one of those guys who embraced the work, not just the spotlight. He’s earned every bit of this success, and I’m thrilled to see him taking that next step,” O’Sullivan said in a statement released by the Florida baseball program.
Fans on social media have echoed the sentiment. Posts tagged #WaldrepWatch have picked up steam on X (formerly Twitter), with Gators and Braves fans alike sharing highlights of his recent outings. Some are even lobbying for a big-league debut before the All-Star break.
—
What Comes Next?
Waldrep’s future appears as bright as ever. As long as his arm stays healthy and his command remains sharp, he’s on a fast track to becoming a regular in the Braves’ rotation. Scouts still see room for refinement — especially in his walk rate and secondary command — but his raw stuff and recent consistency have answered many of the early questions.
Whether his MLB debut comes in a few weeks or a few months, there’s little doubt Waldrep is ready to compete at the highest level. With 18 straight scoreless innings behind him and confidence surging, he’s reminding everyone why he was one of the most feared college arms in America just two years ago.
And now, he’s doing it again — on the doorstep of the big leagues.
—
Social Media Caption (optional):
🔥 Former Gators star Hurston Waldrep has tossed 18 straight scoreless innings in Triple-A! Is an MLB call-up next for the Braves’ top pitching prospect? #WaldrepWatch #GoGators #BravesCountry
—
Leave a Reply