Braves Plagued by Injuries as Spring Training Begins

Several key pitchers already dealing with health issues ahead of 2026 season

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves have been hit hard by injuries over the past two seasons, and the trend is continuing as the team enters spring training for the 2026 campaign. Several pitchers, including Spencer Schroeder, Kolby Allard, and Dylan Dodd, are already dealing with various ailments that could sideline them for the start of the year.

Why it matters

The Braves' recent history of injuries has significantly impacted the team's performance, with the club missing the playoffs in 2025 after making it in 2024 despite a rash of health issues. As the team looks to bounce back, these early spring training injuries raise concerns about their pitching depth and ability to stay healthy throughout the upcoming season.

The details

Schroeder is out with bone spurs, while Allard and Dodd are dealing with "loose bodies" in their elbows that could require procedures. Perhaps most concerning is the case of Bryce Hurst, who reportedly hit 99 mph on the radar gun during a bullpen session but then came in the next day complaining of pain. The Braves' pitching coach Leo Mazzone would have been shocked to see a pitcher throwing that hard so early in spring training, as the goal is to gradually build up arm strength over the six-week period.

  • Last week, Spencer Schroeder suffered a back injury and is expected to undergo surgery.
  • On Sunday, it was revealed that Kolby Allard and Dylan Dodd are dealing with elbow issues that could require medical treatment.
  • Bryce Hurst reportedly hit 99 mph on the radar gun during a bullpen session on Thursday, only to come in the next day complaining of pain.

The players

Spencer Schroeder

A Braves pitcher who is out with bone spurs and expected to undergo surgery.

Kolby Allard

A Braves pitcher dealing with "loose bodies" in his elbow that could require a procedure.

Dylan Dodd

A Braves pitcher also dealing with "loose bodies" in his elbow that could require a procedure.

Bryce Hurst

A Braves pitcher who reportedly hit 99 mph on the radar gun during a bullpen session, only to come in the next day complaining of pain.

Leo Mazzone

A legendary Georgia Sports Hall of Fame pitching coach who would have been shocked to see a pitcher throwing that hard so early in spring training.

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What they’re saying

“Can you imagine if 30 years ago, Leo Mazzone, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame pitching coach, had watched John Smoltz hit 99 miles an hour in his first live bullpen session? Leo would have had a stroke right there in the in the bullpen.”

— David Tufts, Sports Commentator (41nbc.com)

What’s next

The Braves will need to closely monitor the progress of their injured pitchers and determine if any of them will require surgery or extended time off. The team may also need to explore adding more depth to their pitching staff in the coming weeks to prepare for potential absences.

The takeaway

The Braves' recent history of injuries has been a major hindrance, and these early spring training issues only compound those concerns. The team will need to find a way to keep its pitchers healthy if it hopes to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026.