Braves Relying on $2M In-House Arm to Fill Rotation Void

Atlanta turns to Bryce Elder after injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Atlanta Braves are facing early-season pitching setbacks, with promising right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation. With the team also missing Hurston Waldrep, the Braves are now expected to rely on 25-year-old Bryce Elder to stabilize the rotation, despite his shaky 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Braves' starting rotation was a strength in 2025, but injuries have now left them scrambling to fill multiple spots. Elder's performance could make or break the team's early-season hopes, as they look to avoid falling behind in the competitive NL East.

The details

The Braves had hoped to add an impactful starting pitcher this offseason, but general manager Alex Anthopoulos maintained that any addition needed to have postseason-caliber ability. With Schwellenbach and Waldrep now sidelined, the team is turning to Elder, who was uncertain to secure a rotation spot entering Spring Training.

  • Schwellenbach was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 20, 2026 due to elbow inflammation.
  • The 2026 MLB regular season is still a month away.

The players

Spencer Schwellenbach

A promising 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who was placed on the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation.

Bryce Elder

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is expected to step into the rotation after the injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep, despite a shaky 2025 campaign.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves who maintained that any starting pitcher addition this offseason needed to have postseason-caliber ability.

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What they’re saying

“We've explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that's a trade or signing. We'd like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, General Manager, Atlanta Braves (Sporting News)

“They feel, perhaps, that Bryce Elder can hold this down in a way that at least buys them some time.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Reporter (Foul Territory)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.