Atlanta Braves right-handed pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both face extended absences after undergoing surgeries to remove loose bodies from their right elbows. Schwellenbach had surgery this week, while Waldrep is scheduled for a similar operation on Monday. Neither pitcher has a set timeline for return, leaving the Braves without two promising arms early in the season.
Details Surrounding Schwellenbach and Waldrep’s Elbow Conditions
Manager Walt Weiss confirmed Schwellenbach’s surgery, which followed his placement on the 60-day injured list—a designation that allows his absence to be backdated by three days from Opening Day, guaranteeing he misses at least 57 days. Schwellenbach had anticipated needing arthroscopic surgery last week but remained uncertain about recovery time.
Waldrep’s recent MRI cleared him of damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, yet loose bodies in his elbow necessitated surgery. Reflecting on his condition, Waldrep commented that these loose fragments
“probably need to be dealt with.”
Both pitchers’ recoveries are indefinite, heightening concerns about the Braves’ pitching depth early in the year.
Pitchers Once Viewed as Rotation Mainstays Face Uncertain Futures
Heading into spring training, Schwellenbach and Waldrep were expected to compete for major roles in Atlanta’s rotation. Schwellenbach, the 2021 second-round draft pick, had battled an elbow fracture last summer but showed promise after completing multiple bullpen sessions before experiencing pain two weeks ago. Since his MLB debut in 2024, he posted a 3.23 ERA over 234 1/3 innings, accompanied by impressive strikeout and walk rates.
Waldrep, who debuted last season as a 2023 first-round pick, was considered the frontrunner for the Braves’ fifth starter spot. In 56 1/3 innings last year, including nine starts, he recorded a strong 2.88 ERA, with a 24% strikeout rate. His minor league numbers were also encouraging, ending the season on a high note with a 1.99 ERA in his final seven Triple-A starts before promotion.
Current Rotation Faces Challenges Amid Injuries and Performance Questions
With Schwellenbach and Waldrep out, Atlanta’s rotation now revolves around Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes. While talented, each of these pitchers comes with concerns that may affect their consistency and durability throughout the season. Sale, a former NL Cy Young Award winner, carries a substantial injury history with only one nearly full healthy season since 2017 and will turn 37 next month.
Strider returned last year from UCL surgery but delivered average results by his standards. Lopez’s season was cut short after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery, limiting him to just one start in 2025. Holmes is recovering from a UCL tear without surgery and reportedly is fully ready for spring training.
Braves’ Pitching Staff Depth and Organizational Decisions Moving Forward
The Braves’ current core rotation members each face questions about their health, workload, or performance, leaving the organization with some weak spots to address. Despite rumors, team officials continue to downplay the likelihood of acquiring external help. Reports from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggest the team’s previous interest in free agents Chris Bassitt—who signed with Baltimore—and Lucas Giolito—still unsigned—may have been overstated. There is speculation that team president Alex Anthopoulos is constrained by ownership-set budget limits, though the Braves have not publicly confirmed this.
Internally, Atlanta has several pitchers poised to contribute if needed, including Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, José Suarez, and 20-year-old prospect Didier Fuentes. Additionally, veterans Martín Pérez, Carlos Carrasco, and Elieser Hernández, who are not on the 40-man roster, offer experienced options for the staff.
The Implications of Losing Two Key Young Pitchers Early in the Season
The losses of Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep represent significant setbacks for the Braves, as both young pitchers were integral to the team’s rotation plans. Their surgeries not only reduce the rotation’s depth but also increase pressure on pitchers with prior injury concerns. The Braves’ ability to mitigate these absences—whether through internal promotions or outside acquisitions—will be critical for sustaining their competitiveness this season. How the organization manages these challenges in the coming weeks could shape the trajectory of their pitching staff and overall team success.
Spencer Schwellenbach underwent surgery to remove loose bodies today. Hurston Waldrep will undergo a similar procedure on Monday. The Braves aren’t providing a timeline. Weiss said he hopes both will be able to pitch again this year
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 18, 2026
