Atlanta Braves Provide Injury Updates on Key Pitchers

AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach all currently on 60-day IL

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:36am

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The Atlanta Braves had a disappointing 2025 season plagued by injuries, especially in their starting rotation. As the 2026 season begins, the team is still dealing with injuries to several key pitchers, including AJ Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Spencer Schwellenbach, who are all currently on the 60-day injured list.

Why it matters

The Braves' rotation struggles last season significantly impacted their playoff chances, and the team is hoping to bounce back in 2026. The recovery timelines for these injured pitchers will be crucial in determining the Braves' competitiveness early in the season.

The details

According to Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos, Smith-Shawver could return around the All-Star break in July, while Waldrep is expected back this season barring any setbacks. The timeline for Schwellenbach's return is more uncertain, as he is still in the recovery phase from his surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow.

  • Smith-Shawver had Tommy John surgery in June 2025.
  • Waldrep had surgery to remove loose bodies in his right elbow in February 2026.
  • Schwellenbach had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow around the same time as Waldrep.

The players

AJ Smith-Shawver

A promising young starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Hurston Waldrep

Another Braves starting pitcher who had surgery to remove loose bodies from his right elbow earlier this year.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves pitching prospect who had surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow and is still in the recovery phase.

Alex Anthopoulos

The general manager of the Atlanta Braves who provided updates on the injured pitchers.

Spencer Strider

The Braves' flamethrowing right-handed starter who went down with an oblique strain just before Opening Day and is expected back by mid-April.

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What they’re saying

“The All-Star break is a nice kind of area to see where he's at. We're going to know, obviously, a lot at that time.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves General Manager

“Waldrep has been four weeks and no throw. So, he's got another two weeks of rest, and then he's going to get going again. Schwellenbach is a little bit of an unknown there. We'll have to wait. He's still in the recovery phase and so on.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves General Manager

“It's just going to come down to once he gets cranked up and starts throwing again, does he have any issues? Does he have any pain? But we are going to get him going ASAP. The moment the doctor clears him for throwing, we'll get him going.”

— Alex Anthopoulos, Atlanta Braves General Manager

What’s next

The Braves will closely monitor the recovery progress of Smith-Shawver, Waldrep, and Schwellenbach, with the goal of getting them back on the mound as soon as possible. The team is also eagerly awaiting the return of Spencer Strider, who is expected to rejoin the rotation by mid-April.

The takeaway

The Braves' rotation depth has been severely tested by injuries, but the team is hopeful that their injured pitchers can make successful recoveries and contribute to the team's success in 2026. The timelines for these players' returns will be crucial in determining the Braves' competitiveness early in the season.