The Atlanta Braves had hoped to escape their injury troubles from the 2025 season. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for them thus far in 2026. Spencer Schwellenbach was the first casualty, as we learned he was placed on the 60-day IL last week with elbow soreness. Atlanta announced on Wednesday that Schwellenbach underwent a procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow.
There was no update on his timeline, but the Braves are optimistic that he will pitch at some point this season. Unfortunately, there was even more bad news as fans learned Hurston Waldrep will undergo a procedure on Monday and be placed on the 60-day IL.
Spencer Schwellenbach underwent procedure to remove loose bodies. Hurston Waldrep will undergo a procedure Monday. He’ll be headed for 60-day IL.
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) February 18, 2026
Both Spencer Schwellenbach AND Hurston Waldrep needed elbow surgeries as it turns out
This is the last thing Atlanta needed to happen, and it will only make fans more frustrated with the front office. There hasn't been any movement on adding starting pitching at all this offseason. Alex Anthopoulos and company are fine with a core of Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes to start the season. There will be a competition for the fifth spot in the rotation.
However, that field has become a bit slimmer with Waldrep's injury. Running Bryce Elder out as the fifth starter doesn't feel like the best idea. J.R. Ritchie could pitch his way into the rotation during spring training. And there are pitchers like Martin Perez and Carlos Carrasco who have MLB experience that could slot in easily.
It just feels extremely irresponsible for the Braves not to add another good arm. Yes, Chris Bassitt and Lucas Giolito aren't aces, but they certainly have the experience and pedigree to pitch well. Atlanta is playing with fire because this plan only works if their starters can remain healthy. If just one of them goes down, the Braves are going to regret not having signed a proven starter. Last season should have taught them not to repeat the same mistakes. Unfortunately, it feels like they haven't learned a thing.
It stinks for Schwellenbach and Waldrep, as they both showed a lot of promise. Hopefully, their recoveries go smoothly, and we see them back on the field sooner rather than later.