Braves Pitcher Waldrep Faces Possible Surgery After Loose Bodies Found in Arm

Hurston Waldrep's injury is the latest blow to the Braves' starting rotation this spring.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves' starting rotation took another hit as right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove 'loose bodies' found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice, and an MRI revealed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting on further tests to determine the extent of the issue. This comes just days after the Braves placed another projected starter, Spencer Schwellenbach, on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

Why it matters

The Braves were counting on Waldrep, 23, to compete for a spot in their starting rotation this season after he impressed in 10 games (9 starts) in 2025. His potential absence, along with Schwellenbach's injury, leaves the Braves scrambling to fill out their pitching staff ahead of the new season.

The details

Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice, and an MRI revealed the presence of 'loose bodies' in his arm. Braves manager Walt Weiss said the team is waiting on additional tests to determine if Waldrep will need surgery to address the issue. Weiss noted that this type of problem is 'fairly common with pitchers' but added that the team doesn't know the full extent of it yet.

  • Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice on February 15, 2026.
  • The Braves placed Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list on February 10, 2026 due to elbow inflammation.

The players

Hurston Waldrep

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation this season after impressing in 10 games (9 starts) in 2025.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 10, 2026 due to elbow inflammation.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves who has said he is looking for pitching help, especially a starter who could be part of a postseason rotation.

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What they’re saying

“There's some things in there that shouldn't be there, I guess. I think it's fairly common with pitchers. I don't want to elaborate on the loose bodies because I'm not totally sure, but probably needs to be dealt with. I don't know what that looks like as far as a procedure or anything like that.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

“He's a young kid with a really promising future. I mean the other day he opened up some eyes, you know, popping 99 (mph) right out of the gate. He threw several bullpens before he got down here. I think he's had seven or eight bullpens, no issues. So sometimes it's hard to retrace your steps and explain some of these things. But it's all part of it.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

What’s next

The Braves are waiting on the results of additional tests to determine if Hurston Waldrep will need surgery to remove the 'loose bodies' found in his arm. A possible surgery would leave the Braves without another projected starting pitcher to start the season.

The takeaway

The Braves' starting rotation has taken a significant hit this spring, with the potential loss of both Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach. This underscores the fragility of pitching staffs and the importance of depth, especially for a team with postseason aspirations like the Braves.