Braves Rotation Woes Worsen with Hurston Waldrep Update

Atlanta's pitching depth takes another hit as top prospect Waldrep faces elbow issue

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves' starting rotation has taken another blow, as top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep underwent an MRI that revealed loose bodies in his elbow. Waldrep will see a specialist this week to determine the extent of the issue, putting his timeline in doubt. This comes after the team already lost Spencer Schwellenbach to an elbow injury earlier in spring training, leaving the Braves scrambling to fill out their rotation behind Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes.

Why it matters

The Braves were counting on Waldrep to compete for a rotation spot this spring, and his injury further depletes their pitching depth at a critical time. With Schwellenbach also sidelined, the Braves will have to look to other options like Bryce Elder, JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes to fill out the back end of their rotation.

The details

Waldrep underwent an MRI that revealed loose bodies in his elbow, and he will see a specialist this week to determine the next steps. While the MRI showed his ligament is intact, the loose bodies will need to be addressed. Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed optimism that Waldrep's injury may not be as serious as initially feared, but his timeline remains uncertain.

  • Waldrep underwent the MRI after experiencing elbow discomfort.
  • Waldrep will see Dr. Meister this week to get a better look at the issue.

The players

Hurston Waldrep

A top pitching prospect in the Braves' system who was expected to compete for a rotation spot this spring.

Spencer Schwellenbach

Another Braves pitching prospect who will start the season on the 60-day injured list due to an elbow injury.

Brian Snitker

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Bryce Elder

A Braves pitcher who led the team in starts last year with 28.

JR Ritchie

A Braves pitching prospect who is impressing in spring training.

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What they’re saying

“There are some things in there that shouldn't be in there.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager (SI.com)

“He's a young kid with a promising future. The other day, he opend up some eyes popping 99 right out of the gate.”

— Brian Snitker, Braves Manager (SI.com)

What’s next

Waldrep will see Dr. Meister this week to get a better look at the issue with his elbow, and the Braves will have a better idea of his timeline once the specialist examination is complete.

The takeaway

The Braves' starting rotation depth has taken a significant hit early in spring training, with top prospect Hurston Waldrep now facing an elbow issue and fellow pitching prospect Spencer Schwellenbach already sidelined. The Braves will have to look to other options like Bryce Elder, JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes to fill out the rotation behind their top starters.