Braves Lose Cy Young-Caliber Arm to Diamondbacks as Rotation Woes Grow

Atlanta's starting pitching depth takes another hit with injuries to young talents

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Atlanta Braves' starting rotation has been dealt another blow as young right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation, and fellow prospect Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his arm. This comes after the Diamondbacks re-signed Zac Gallen, a potential Braves target, to a 1-year, $22 million contract. The Braves are now facing a growing pitching staff crisis as Spring Training gets underway.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation was already a concern heading into the season after injuries plagued the staff last year. These latest setbacks to young, promising arms further deplete Atlanta's pitching depth and raise questions about their ability to compete in the NL East.

The details

Schwellenbach, a 25-year-old right-hander, has been placed on the 60-day IL due to elbow inflammation, while Waldrep, another young Braves pitching prospect, may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his arm after experiencing discomfort. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks re-signed Zac Gallen, a potential free agent target for the Braves, to a 1-year, $22 million contract.

  • The Braves opened Spring Training camp this week.
  • Schwellenbach was placed on the 60-day IL on the first day of camp.
  • Waldrep's arm issue was announced over the weekend.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed pitching prospect in the Braves' system who has been placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

Hurston Waldrep

A young Braves pitching prospect who may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" from his arm after experiencing discomfort.

Zac Gallen

A right-handed starting pitcher who the Diamondbacks re-signed to a 1-year, $22 million contract, taking him off the free agent market and removing a potential target for the Braves.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zac Gallen returns to the Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million contract with $14 million deferred after market craters.”

— Bob Nightengale (USA Today)

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor the recovery progress of Schwellenbach and Waldrep, and may need to explore additional free agent or trade options to bolster their starting rotation depth ahead of the season.

The takeaway

The Braves' starting pitching depth has taken a significant hit even before Spring Training games begin, with injuries to young arms Schwellenbach and Waldrep compounded by the loss of potential free agent target Zac Gallen to the Diamondbacks. Atlanta's rotation woes are quickly becoming a major concern as they try to bounce back from missing the playoffs last season.