As we continue evaluating the impact of the significant injury news surrounding the Atlanta Braves rotation, it’s important to distinguish between the ramifications of injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Although both are set to open the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list, Waldrep’s absence is unlikely to affect Atlanta in the early months to the extent some fans may fear.
Mark Bowman, Braves beat writer, echoed that sentiment, noting that Hurston Waldrep was likely to open the season with Triple-A Gwinnett, particularly since the 23-year-old still has minor league options remaining. While some believed Waldrep’s strong showing over 56.1 innings last season — highlighted by a 2.88 ERA — positioned him as a frontrunner to break camp in Atlanta, roster flexibility often dictates early-season decisions. Each spring, the option process inevitably claims a few roster hopefuls, and Waldrep appeared to be a prime candidate this year.
There is certainly reason to think Schwellenbach and Waldrep could be pitching competitively at some point in June or July. But even though they are in need of some optimistic spin, the Braves chose not to provide a timeline.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) February 18, 2026
Hurston Waldrep's injury will hurt the Braves more in the depth department than their Opening Day roster
There is no denying Hurston Waldrep flashed impressive potential in 2025, but penciling him in for dependable production in 2026 was likely premature, as most projections forecasted him for innings in the low-to-mid 100s with an ERA around 4.00 — solid, yet hardly indispensable. With both Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz out of minor league options, they were widely expected to receive the first opportunity to secure spots in the rotation, further reinforcing the likelihood that Waldrep would have begun the season elsewhere.
It is fair to question Alex Anthopoulos for not adding more pitching depth, but the reality is that injuries to Schwellenbach — and even Ha-Seong Kim — are far more consequential for the Atlanta Braves. Both have established themselves as proven major leaguers at this stage of their careers. That is not to say Hurston Waldrep cannot reach that level in time, but at this point, the difference in certainty and track record is significant.
Ultimately, while losing Waldrep is unfortunate, it does not materially alter the early outlook for the Braves. The organization built its Opening Day plans around established contributors, not projected upside, and Waldrep’s development timeline always allowed for patience. His long-term potential remains intriguing, but in the immediate term, Atlanta’s fortunes will hinge far more on the health and performance of its proven major league pieces than on a talented arm who was likely ticketed for additional seasoning.