By Christopher Kline | June 3, 2025
The Atlanta Braves, searching for answers during a disappointing first half of the season, have made two roster moves that signal a shift toward youth. The club officially announced Tuesday the call-ups of infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. and right-handed pitcher Hurston Waldrep, both of whom are expected to make an immediate impact.
Alvarez, 22, rejoined the big-league roster after completing a rehab assignment for a wrist injury that kept him sidelined for the first two months of the season. Ranked as Atlanta’s No. 4 prospect by ESPN, Alvarez made his MLB debut last year but struggled in limited at-bats. Still, the organization believes in his long-term potential—and with the team’s infield constantly shifting, he’ll get a chance to prove himself.
“We’re excited to bring Nacho back into the mix,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He gives us another quality option up the middle and brings energy and maturity for a young player.”
Alvarez is expected to split time at second base and shortstop while offering defensive depth across the infield. His first game back is slated for Wednesday against the Washington Nationals.
Also returning to the majors is 23-year-old Hurston Waldrep, a former top pitching prospect who’s being given a new role as a long reliever in Atlanta’s struggling bullpen. Waldrep, who battled inconsistency as a starter in Triple-A Gwinnett (posting a 5.32 ERA in 10 starts), will now pitch in lower-leverage situations to help rebuild confidence and contribute innings.
“This isn’t a demotion—it’s an adjustment,” Snitker said of Waldrep’s role. “We think he can thrive out of the bullpen right now and work his way back toward starting if things click.”
The call-ups come at a crucial point in the Braves’ season. The team sits four games under .500 and in fourth place in the NL East, far from where many expected them to be. Injuries, including the loss of A.J. Smith-Shawver for the season and ongoing absences in the rotation, have exposed depth issues on the mound, while the offense has struggled to find its rhythm despite Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return.
With external reinforcements difficult to find, the Braves are turning to their own pipeline in hopes of sparking a midseason turnaround. Whether Alvarez and Waldrep can stabilize the club remains to be seen, but their promotions mark a pivotal moment in Atlanta’s 2025 campaign.
“These guys earned their shot,” Snitker said. “Now it’s time to see what they can do.”
