Atlanta got hit with a brutal one-two punch. Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed Friday that both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are done for the 2026 season, needing surgery. This is a tough break for a club that spent a combined $7 million on these two young pitchers, looking for them to contribute after solid 2025 campaigns.
The Brutal Setback for Spencer Schwellenbach
Man, talk about a rough start to the year. Spencer Schwellenbach, the 25-year-old righty, went down early with elbow inflammation. The Braves had to put him on the 60-day injured list right out of the gate, and the hope was that it was just some bone spurs and nothing “more nefarious.” You always cross your fingers for that, right? But now, it’s clear things were way worse. Mark Bowman from MLB.com reported that Schwellenbach is heading under the knife to repair the *same* elbow fracture he suffered last year. That’s a gut punch, having to go through that recovery all over again for the exact same injury. You’ve gotta wonder what’s going on there.
Hurston Waldrep’s Rollercoaster Year Ends in Tommy John
Hurston Waldrep’s season was a rollercoaster that just slammed into the ground. The 24-year-old hurler started off with arthroscopic surgery back in February to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. He battled back, he made his return, and for a minute there, it looked like he might be able to turn things around. But then, late July hit, and he was out again with right arm discomfort during a Triple-A Gwinnett start. That’s the kind of news that makes your stomach drop. Now, per Bowman, Waldrep is facing Tommy John surgery. That’s a long, grinding road back for any pitcher, especially one so young trying to establish himself.
This is just crushing for both players, especially since they’re just starting their careers. The Braves had to manage a lot of injuries this season, and while they did better than 2025, losing two promising arms like this is a huge blow. Their recoveries are going to take serious time, and honestly, we might not even see them on the mound when the 2027 season kicks off. Talk about a brutal end to the year for these guys and their team.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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