The 2025 season continues to be an absolute nightmare for the Atlanta Braves. Wednesday was supposed to be a good day as the Braves welcomed Jurickson Profar back from his PED suspension. However, this was overshadowed by some of the most disheartening news Braves fans could have received in a season full of bad news.
Standout ace Spencer Schwellenbach was unexpectedly placed on the 15-day IL with a fractured elbow. He didn't show any signs of injury during his last start against the Phillies. However, he said his elbow felt tight after the game and the usual recovery routine didn't help.
This led to imaging that revealed a "small" fracture and derailed Schwelly's Cy Young-worthy season. He spoke with press before Wednesday's game and provided a bit more detail. Braves insider David O'Brien wrote that Schwellenbach thinks his increased velocity may have had something to do with it.
Schwellenbach stated, "Maybe the elbow just wasn't ready for it." Schwelly is hopeful he will return late this season but Braves won't let him throw until the fracture fully heals. So, it's possible he could miss the rest of the season.
Spencer Schwellenbach address the media after being placed on the 15-day IL pic.twitter.com/91yaBlBg3y
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) July 2, 2025
Spencer Schwellenbach thinks throwing harder is to blame for his injury
This worry that increased velocity caused him to fracture his elbow raises some questions. Is the increased velocity really worth this risk? Did he feel the need to have more velocity to be successful? Were there early warning signs? How much were the Braves monitoring his elbow's health given his previous arm injuries.
Schwellenbach's fastball has averaged 96.8 mph this season and that's plenty of velocity to be successful. However, in recent starts, Schwelly has consistently thrown 99 mph with his fastball.
He has enough pitches in his arsenal that command of those pitches needs to come over increased velocity. It's nice to have that in your back pocket but he was very good in 2024 without needing a couple extra mph on his heater.
With Chris Sale also down for a couple of months, this is a crushing blow to a team already on the ropes. The rotation was one of the bright spots but it has become a massive weakness in the blink of an eye.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has a lot to consider as the trade deadline approaches. Will they try to add and compete for a playoff spot? Or is this an omen to just cut your losses, sell what you can at the trade deadline, and try again next year?