Braves Lose Two Starters to Elbow Procedures

Schwellenbach and Waldrep to miss start of season for Atlanta

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves will begin the 2026 season without two of their young starting pitchers, as right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both underwent elbow procedures. Schwellenbach had surgery to clean up "loose bodies" in his elbow, while Waldrep is scheduled for a similar procedure next week.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation was already a question mark heading into the season, and these injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep only compound the issue. Both pitchers were expected to play key roles, so their absences will force the team to rely more heavily on its depth early on.

The details

Schwellenbach, 25, was 7-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts last year before missing the final three months with a broken right elbow. Waldrep, the Braves' 2023 first-round pick, experienced discomfort after a recent batting practice session and an MRI revealed no ligament damage.

  • Schwellenbach had surgery on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • Waldrep is scheduled to undergo a similar procedure next week.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

A 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Hurston Waldrep

A 23-year-old right-handed starting pitcher and the Braves' 2023 first-round draft pick.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

These injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep are a significant blow to the Braves' pitching depth and will force the team to rely more heavily on its remaining starters and minor league prospects to begin the season.