The Atlanta Braves had hoped to avoid dealing with injuries in 2026, but they have not been so lucky. It started before the season with multiple injuries to key players in the rotation before the season began. Luckily, three of those players have started working their way back. Hurston Waldrep was the first, as he's already returned to the big leagues. He's a bit rusty, but that was expected after having a cleanup procedure done on his elbow.
However, the other two, AJ Smith-Shawver and Spencer Schwellenbach, are finally starting to see action again. This is great news for the Braves, even if they're both still a way out from returning to the big leagues.
AJ-Smith Shawver set to start rehab assignment with Augusta GreenJackets
It's been a long road to recovery for AJ Smith-Shawver since he underwent Tommy John surgery. He had his struggles during his time in Atlanta, but there was a lot of promise as well.
The Braves finally updated his status on Tuesday and stated he will begin his rehab assignment with Low-A Augusta. Lefty Danny Young was a part of this update as well, with his assignment being transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett.
RHP AJ Smith-Shawver tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Augusta. LHP Danny Young’s rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 30, 2026
With Smith-Shawver coming back from major elbow surgery, expect him to spend at least a month rehabbing before he's ready to face MLB bats. Atlanta won't want to rush him back since he could be a major force for the rotation after this season.
Spencer Schwellenbach expected to ramp up baseball activities soon
It appears Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach may be on his way to Florida in the coming weeks to begin working his way back to the rotation. Schwelly not being available has been a gut punch for the Braves, especially when you consider all of Atlanta's other rotation issues. He was expected to be a big part of things in 2026.
Schwellenbach will likely head to Florida within the next week or two. If you look at that like it’s the start of Spring Training, he could become a candidate to start in late August or early September https://t.co/s0JaVp4fXg
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 29, 2026
Braves insider Mark Bowman provided that update and mentioned this could mean Atlanta gets their talented righty back in late August or early September. Obviously, this hinges on things going smoothly for Schwellenbach with no setbacks.
Ronald Acuña Jr.'s second hamstring injury could keep him out until after the All-Star break
Atlanta's superstar outfielder was placed on the injured list with his second hamstring injury of the season on June 10th. It's disappointing because Acuña had just started hitting well before the injury happened. This strain was only a Grade 1 thankfully, but the Braves don't appear to want to take any chances this time around. Acuña has been out for about two and a half weeks at this point. The team doesn't expect Acuña to return until after the All-Star break.
That's probably a wise decision. Atlanta doesn't want Acuña to land on the IL for a third time. Better for the team to tread water without him, and hit the ground running in the second half of the season.
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