The Gwinnett Stripers picked up their first win of the season yesterday against the Nashville Sounds, with a couple of players that could be key contributors on the Braves this year taking center stage.
All eyes were on former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy, who was making the first start of his rehab assignment after taking a fastball to the rib during Spring Training. On the first pitch he saw, he took it 415 feet to dead center for a home run.
We don't mean to alarm you, but…
SEAN MURPHY JUST HIT A 415ft @SoFi BOMB TO STRAIGHTAWAY CENTER.
2-0 Stripers. Carry on. pic.twitter.com/qFcQqQSCZq
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) April 1, 2025
Sean Murphy would end the afternoon 1-4, but most importantly, he made it through healthy and could rejoin the Braves as soon as next week.
Hurston Waldrep was on the mound for the Stripers, making his first start of the season. He’s a guy that all Braves fans should have a close eye on following the injury to Reynaldo Lopez, which will keep him out for at least a couple of months. The depth of starting pitching is at a critical stage, and it’s only April. Having an ultra-talented arm like Waldrep taking the next step would be a massive development.
The 23-year-old looked the part on Tuesday, striking out seven over five innings and allowing just one run. Also of note, he only surrendered one walk, which was an issue for him in Gwinnett and Atlanta last season.
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Photo: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
