The Atlanta Braves’ pitching plans took an early and unsettling turn this week as right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach underwent surgery to remove “loose bodies” from his elbow, while promising rotation candidate Hurston Waldrep is set to face a similar procedure next week. Though the organization has not offered a definitive timetable for either pitcher’s return, manager Walt Weiss expressed cautious optimism that both arms could factor into the 2026 season.
Schwellenbach’s Setback Adds to a Troubling Braves Injury History
For Schwellenbach, the latest procedure marks another hurdle in what has become a turbulent stretch. The 25-year-old was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 10 due to inflammation in his right elbow, stalling his spring before it had a chance to build momentum. The surgery is designed to clean out loose fragments within the joint, an issue that can cause pain, reduced mobility, and diminished effectiveness on the mound.
This comes on the heels of a far more serious setback. Schwellenbach missed the final three months of last season after suffering a broken right elbow, an injury that abruptly halted a promising campaign. Despite the adversity, his body of work when healthy has been difficult to overlook.
Dominant Stretch Showed Frontline Potential
Before the injury derailed his 2025 season, Schwellenbach had quietly emerged as one of Atlanta’s most dependable arms. He posted a 7-4 record with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts, showcasing command, composure, and swing-and-miss capability. Over his final 10 outings, he elevated his performance even further, going 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA while striking out 71 batters against just 11 walks in 69⅓ innings. The Braves won eight of those games, reinforcing his growing importance within the rotation.
His big league debut in 2024 laid the foundation. That season, he finished 8-7 with a 3.35 ERA across 21 starts, demonstrating durability and steady development. The trajectory pointed upward until injuries intervened.
Waldrep’s Procedure Clouds Rotation Competition
Meanwhile, Hurston Waldrep’s situation presents a different but still significant concern. The Braves’ 2023 first-round pick out of Florida experienced discomfort after throwing batting practice over the weekend. An MRI delivered encouraging news: no ligament damage, eliminating the need for a more severe reconstruction procedure. However, the decision was made for Waldrep to undergo a similar cleanup surgery to address the irritation.
Waldrep, who turns 24 on March 1, entered camp as a legitimate rotation candidate with a powerful arsenal and high expectations. His absence reshapes early-season competition and forces the organization to lean more heavily on depth options.
For Atlanta, the parallel setbacks create uncertainty but not necessarily panic. Cleanup elbow procedures can allow pitchers to return within the same season, though recovery timelines often depend on healing response and ramp-up progression. The Braves’ hopes now rest on successful rehabilitation and the resilience of two young arms whose promise remains intact, provided time and recovery cooperate.
