Eli White's 2 HRs and Hurston Waldrep's debut win led the Braves past the Reds 4-2 on Aug 3, 2025. Recap the unlikely heroics at the Speedway Classic!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season that's often felt like a long rain delay, the Atlanta Braves finally gave fans a jolt of electricity on Sunday. Under the lights of Bristol Motor Speedway, journeyman Eli White played the hero, launching two home runs to account for all four runs in a 4-2 victory over the Reds in the unique MLB Speedway Classic. The win was made even sweeter by a stellar debut from top prospect Hurston Waldrep, who earned his first career MLB win.
That was super special for me... to have a big day and come through for the team is something I’ll cherish for a long time.
The rain-delayed Speedway Classic provided a surreal backdrop for one of the Braves' most enjoyable wins of 2025. Eli White, not typically known for his power, was the undisputed star. He broke the game open with a three-run shot in the second inning and added a solo insurance blast in the seventh for a career-best four RBI. But the story wasn't just about the offense. Top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep, after a 250-mile journey to the track following his call-up, was masterful. He delivered 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball to notch his first big-league victory. The game ended with Raisel Iglesias inducing a high popup on a 96.2 mph fastball, confidently handled by Luke Williams, to secure the save and a rare, feel-good team win.
While the on-field action at Bristol was thrilling, it stood in stark contrast to the mood surrounding the front office. With the team well out of playoff contention, the trade deadline passed with a whimper, not a bang. Instead of a major sell-off to restock for the future, the Braves made only minor tweaks. Reliever Rafael Montero was shipped to Detroit for infielder Jim Jarvis, while veterans Erick Fedde and Carlos Carrasco were brought in for rotation depth. The most intriguing move was acquiring reliever Tyler Kinley, whose strong underlying metrics suggest he could be a bullpen asset if the team picks up his $5 million option for 2026. Still, the lack of a clear direction has left many fans frustrated and questioning the long-term plan.
If Waldrep's debut is any indication, the future is bright on the mound. His success is a testament to the organization's impressive pitching pipeline, which continues to churn out talent. Down on the farm, the good news kept coming. Owen Murphy was dominant in his return to Rome, striking out eight, while fellow prospect Didier Fuentes fanned seven in his own strong outing. These performances serve as a crucial reminder that even in a down year for the major league club, the foundation for the next great Braves team is being built in the minor leagues.
Sunday was a perfect encapsulation of the 2025 Braves: a moment of pure joy and unexpected brilliance on the field, set against a backdrop of strategic uncertainty. A win is always fun, especially one as unique as the Speedway Classic. But as the cheers from Bristol fade, the focus returns to the front office's quiet deadline and the lingering questions about the team's path forward. For now, fans can cherish the heroics of Eli White and the promise of Hurston Waldrep, hoping they are signs of brighter days ahead.
