Just when it looked like Schwellenbach might be the glue holding the rotation together, the Braves’ star has been sidelined with a fractured right elbow. This nightmare season continues to worsen.
Schwellenbach’s Breakout Year Cut Short by Brutal Injury
Schwellenbach had been nothing short of phenomenal in the first half of the season. After stepping up in the absence of Sale and Strider, he looked every bit the future ace of the Braves. A 3.09 ERA, a WHIP under 1.00, and the poise of a ten-year vet—he was even in line for his first All-Star nod. But after feeling soreness following a start against the Phillies, imaging revealed the worst: a minor fracture in his throwing elbow. He’s out until at least September.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With Schwellenbach down, the Braves’ rotation now resembles more of a patchwork quilt than a playoff-caliber staff.
Rotation Depth Disappears as Injuries Mount
Let’s take stock of where things stand. Chris Sale, the reigning NL Cy Young, is out indefinitely with a fractured rib cage. Spencer Strider, fresh off Tommy John surgery, made one start before getting derailed by a hamstring injury. And now Schwellenbach, arguably the most reliable starter of the season, is gone too.
That leaves Atlanta relying on Grant Holmes, a bullpen piece now pressed into a No. 2 starter role, rookie Didier Fuentes (who’s posted a rough 10.80 ERA in two starts), and Bryce Elder, whose 5.82 ERA tells you all you need to know. This isn’t just bad luck—it’s a crisis of depth.
Braves’ Playoff Streak in Serious Jeopardy
The Braves sit at 38-46, fourth in the NL East and seven games behind the surging Phillies. For a franchise that’s reeled off seven straight playoff appearances, six division titles, and a World Series win in 2021, the current situation is nothing short of alarming.
Jurickson Profar’s PED suspension at the start of the year set the tone. Now, even as he returns, the damage done feels irreversible. The Braves are on the brink of falling completely out of contention, and if Schwellenbach’s injury marks the tipping point, it’ll be one this team and its fans won’t soon forget.
The talent’s still there—but right now, it’s buried under a mountain of injuries, inconsistency, and a rotation that’s holding on by dental floss.
