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

Atlanta's rotation takes another hit as team awaits further tests and evaluation.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves' pitching rotation has taken another blow, as right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Manager Walt Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting for additional tests to determine the extent of the issue and whether a procedure will be required.

Why it matters

The potential loss of Waldrep is a significant setback for the Braves, who are already dealing with the absence of Spencer Schwellenbach due to elbow inflammation. Waldrep was expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation after an impressive 2025 season, and his absence could further strain the team's pitching depth.

The details

Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice, leading to the discovery of the "loose bodies" in his arm. Weiss said the team is unsure of the exact nature of the issue or what a potential surgery would entail, but noted that such problems are "fairly common with pitchers." The Braves must now prepare for the possibility of being without Waldrep at the start of the 2026 season.

  • Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice on February 15, 2026.
  • An MRI revealed the presence of "loose bodies" in Waldrep's arm on February 15, 2026.
  • Braves manager Walt Weiss announced the potential need for surgery on February 16, 2026.

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 after a strong 2025 season.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves pitcher who was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 14, 2026, due to elbow inflammation.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves, who has said the team is looking for pitching help, especially a starter who could be part of the 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 (CBS News)

“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 (CBS News)

What’s next

The Braves are waiting for Hurston Waldrep to undergo additional tests to determine the extent of the issue with the "loose bodies" in his arm and whether surgery will be required.

The takeaway

The potential loss of Hurston Waldrep is a significant blow to the Braves' pitching rotation, which is already dealing with the absence of Spencer Schwellenbach. The team must now prepare for the possibility of being without Waldrep at the start of the 2026 season, further straining their pitching depth and forcing them to explore potential trade or free agent options to bolster their starting rotation.