Feb 19, 2026
3 min read
Two Braves starters, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, both have elbow surgery.You can get information from MLB Trade Rumors.
Braves righty Spencer Lohenbach underwent surgery today to remove a loose body mass in his right elbow, manager Walt Weiss reported on the team's record this morning (link Mark Bowman of MLB.com).Fellow righty Hurston Waldrep, who was diagnosed with a loose body in his elbow this spring, will undergo similar surgery on Monday.Weiss and the Braves have not set a formal timetable for the young right-hander's return to the 60-day injured list, and Waldrep will almost certainly join him when Atlanta needs to clear another 40-man spot.
Neither revelation is particularly surprising, but both are equally noteworthy. Schwellenbach said arthroscopic surgery was a possibility when he was placed on the 60-day disabled list last week. He said at the time he was unsure how long the recovery time from such surgery would be, and the team did not provide further details today. Other than the fact that he will miss at least the first 57 days of the season — Illinois'The Opening Day schedule could be moved up three days — with Schwellenbach ruled out indefinitely.
It was a similar story for Waldrep, who recovered from structural damage to his ulnar collateral ligament in a recent MRI exam, but also discovered a loose object in his elbow.Like Schwellenbach, Waldrep indicated that surgery was a possibility when he told reporters that the loose body in his elbow "might need to be treated."
Entering camp, Schwellenbach and Waldrep looked like locks for rotation spots.Schwellenbach missed playing time last summer with a fractured elbow, but after about five or six bullpen sessions, he experienced pain toward the end of a session two weeks ago.The 2021 second-rounder performed outstandingly, recording his first 234 innings since his MLB debut in 2024.He had a 3.23 ERA with a strikeout rate of 25.2% and a walk rate of 4.4% in 1/3 MLB innings.
Waldrep only debuted last season and didn't have many ties to the starting staff. But he was a favorite for Atlanta's fifth-best performance in 56 1/3 innings last year (9 starts, 1 relief appearance).The 2023 first-rounder posted a tidy 2.88 ERA. with a 24% strikeout rate and walk rate. He also posted a 4.42 ERA in 19 appearances at Triple-A, breaking a tough record early in the season with a pristine 1.99 ERA in his final seven minor league starts before being promoted.
With Schwellenbach and Waldrep sidelined indefinitely, Atlanta's rotation includes Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes.It's a talented quartet, but Sale has a long injury history and has only had one fully healthy season since the 2017 season wrapped.He won the NL Cy Young Award in this uniquely (mostly) healthy year, but there is considerable injury risk for the lefty, who will be 37 next month.
However, Strider put up impressive strides and averages in his return last year from UCL surgery.Lopez started 2025 due to arthroscopic shoulder surgery.Holmes suffered a UCL tear last summer but has since repaired it without surgery and is reportedly full this spring.
All four members of the Braves starting rotation come with some combination of injury, performance and/or workload issues.Regardless, the organization continues to minimize the possibility of bringing in more help from outside the organization.Gabe Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution recently wrote that the Braves' previously reported interest in Chris Bassitt (who has already signed in Baltimore) and Lucas Giolito (still unsigned) was too much.There has been speculation that perhaps president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos is simply at or near the budget cap set by ownership, though the team apparently wouldn't disclose that publicly even if it were true.
Insider options include Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, Jose Suarez, rookie Didier Fuentes (just 20 years old) and veterans Martin Perez, Carlos Carrasco and Elicer Hernandez who are not on the roster.
Well, it's not ideal.
Welp, some Mets fans have a bunch of Voodoo dolls that's obvious
Only Philthies would stoop to such a low level
The Mets call him the Mamba.
your name is perfect for you :)
Bart Harley Jarvis
@ChrisMo (and ten of your friends),
I must strongly disagree!
It could be worse.It's not UCL.
For the love of the game
"Loose bodies" sounds better than Tommy John!
I got a loose body as well.
Written by Ludo Master
fever pitch guy
I have a yoga teacher.I think her name is Lucy, but everyone calls her Free.
Think I saw him in the corner…
Fever Pitch Guy
I think I thought I saw him at forty-eight.
In 87 I saw empty bodies open to simple minds and talking heads on the spectrum.
Bart Harley Jarvis
I can't believe LB didn't make the top 75.
Dominic Smith had a 2.35 ERA during his senior high school career.
- Terry McGurk, maybe
Moreover, he is left-handed.
Fever Pitch Guy
Dom Smith pitched for the Red Sox, gave up only 2 hits and no runs in 3 games.
In this situation it will not be surprising if Luke Williams gets the starting position
Surely they would have gone out and signed Giolito at this point, right?
hitagajran gaur
sedon - Signing now with serious health issues probably isn't a good idea for a team in need of a reliable pitcher.
Littell would make more sense.
They don't need a multi-year deal, maybe they can sign Giolito to a one-year prove-it deal.But Little is definitely a good choice.
Fever Guy
Astrology - The clubhouse was the Red Sox' opening day starter just 3 years ago......those were the dark days!
It was the only name I could think of that sounded like Charlie Culberson.
He made the same joke yesterday
Shocking.Shocking.Shocking.To be honest, I don't know what to say.The Braves need a starter or two or three.I'm just saying I hope for a speedy recovery.
Hope is always the main strategy of AA
I'm not sure this is a good strategy
As long as Bryce Elder is still around, there's nothing to worry about.
If he is in 2023 form.
Vacancies eh….this is apparently Urban Dictionary's mission
It's horrible to listen to
I seriously think we will sign or trade starting pitchers this offseason because we spent so much money and did nothing.I mean what are we doing here?
I'm the biggest AA expert out there and don't think he deserves to be fired, but these past 2 seasons have raised questions about what his plans are.
"I can't get ahead. I get tax incentives, but we don't have a full team. All consensus says, 'You can't be too limited.'"
AA: "I think I'm good."smh
He's the smartest guy in the room.He trusted all his titles to back it up 100 percent and look where that took him!!
He's playing 3-D chess while everyone else signs decent pitchers to minor league contracts.
God, where is Ted Turner when we need him the most?He opens the checkbook and stat!
Except when he had the option to sign both Maddux and Bonds and agreed to sign just Maddux.TED wasn't stupid with his money either.Keep in mind that McGirk answers to shareholders.
They have indicated that they want to sell the team eventually.
Their plans are to minimize new costs for each manager so he can keep his job
Yeah, and we're all fans of "his job", not baseball.really?Phew, there really is always one.
I generally defended AA's performance and was also troubled by the rotation situation.Anthopoulos said back in October that the rotation was his biggest goal.Now we are two starters and we haven't brought anyone in yet. If it's about TV money, we can handle all the guesswork without just saying.
Good point about SCM TV money.
Another starting pitcher goes down and it doesn't matter if they come back after the All-Star break or not.Meanwhile, AA is waiting for a team to give us an ace for Nacho Alvarez.And waiting….
I'm no doctor, but in Perplexity I pasted Schwell's "loose body" information to my elbow and spat out a rough mid-to-late June return goal.Anyway, we still need another SP, and this doesn't really change the plan.Trade for one or pay tax.And didn't we bring back CBT last year by putting it under it?
Yes, reset the luxury tax.They are paying a lower percentage to pass each level this season.$244 million... $264 million... $284 million... $304 million.Tax penalty: 10%…30%…50%…90%.
Not so good, Bob.
Regards Zach Littell and/or Lucas Giolito.Load up to start the season and then, if they're all good, unload one at or before the trade deadline.
The Braves now need Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John McIntyre on their medical staff to handle all surgeries for the fainting staff.
Pitch Fever Man
buzas – What do you have against BJ Hunnicutt?
BJ Hunnicutt is coming next season.. Maybe even Dr..Charles Emerson Winchester.later
As long as the Braves don't hire Major Frank Burns.But that's Hot Lips Anthopoulis' decision.
According to Dr.Internets, the best case scenario is that both are willing to continue working until the sixty days are up, assuming there are no obstacles and nothing more serious is found.
This is the recovery time from the surgery.Pitchers begin their offseason throwing programs before they report, so once they recover, they'll need at least a month of strengthening, and likely more, because that strengthening is tightly managed.Assuming no drops, it will likely be around the All-Star break.
I studied for two to four months to get back on the field.Five weeks into the season and 60 days in IL, a touch over three months total.In the best case, one or both may be ready at the end of the IL stay.
Why doesn't a contending team go out and get Giolito and Lettell?Crazy if they don't get at least one.
Quick recovery for both pitchers.Losing talented young arms during the year sucks.
For the love of the game
When faced with something that doesn't make sense, check your assumptions and think about what needs to be true for it to make sense.What if they don't feel like they are a "contending team?"
Or they broke...
The reluctance to increase tax rates on certain luxury goods is a matter of budgetary choice.That doesn't mean they're broke.Their finances are public,
A team dealing with injuries and looking for stability should not pursue Lucas Giolito.
Finally, the voice of reason.A little, well.Giolito and his slim elbows, no.
Pitch fever man
Jeff – I think all three of us posted the same thing at the same time
Kirika Pitch Guy
Jeff - I just posted this!
Gas code ground
Sal - Gio's health is very questionable, only a fighter looking for balance in pitching should go for him.He's not reliable right now, that's why he's available.No one buys his health claims, he's been caught once.
That doesn't mean you're all wrong, but at the same time it's reckless to do nothing when you're dealing with a problem and possibly at a cheap price.Even Jio coming through the pitching program in October will be a good deal now.
Pitch Guy hook
Sal - I haven't seen anything to indicate that's what they're looking for, but I think they're hoping for something close to the reciprocal option they turned down with the Sox.
Strider, Suttle, Schwelly, Ritchie, Owen Murphy, Shawver, Waldrep, Reynaldo all have serious injuries when the Braves...if it continues in Atlanta??
The Nats have no pitching, so how about the bat?SS CJ Abrams is your only Briggs McKenzie, Garrett Bowman or Didier Fuentes.🤣
Abrams' Will SS is giving him the grace our world needs right now.Bo is on SS at least not the worst defense.
I said he was SS, and he was.No one said "good SS" 🤣
My guess is Holmes or Lopez.If sales drop, I'm out
Come on, you can pull your hair out, but you'll still be in. Braves fans don't give up.Complain, moan, complain and watch the TV in fear and disbelief, yes.Stop?We do not!
Oh, I'll still watch and even gamble, but if Sale goes down -- I hate to talk about it -- it's time to look ahead to '27.
Bassitt signed in Baltimore.
The Orioles signed Bassitt last week.
Could be worse.At least it's not Tommy John or something like that.I understand, it won't be long before he comes back.Perhaps by June he can begin his rehabilitation work and if all goes well he could return by the end of June.
I agree.It's a good thing he's been discovered now, not during the season when he was rushing to throw it away.As a Mets fan, I saw Manaea try to throw loose bodies in his elbow last year and it didn't work out well.
Just read something that said Manaea didn't need surgery in the offseason to remove the "bad body."He said, "It's not an issue anymore, it's a thing of the past."We hope for his sake -- and for Mets fans -- he's right.
Haha, I read the same thing.I'm not sure how I feel about it.I understand that any surgery is a big deal, but I don't know why he doesn't get it at the end of the season.I don't know how the 'loose body' fixes itself.Where did it go?
Lol.Hoist….?Yes, it should be fixed once the time is up.It will be fine now.
I've heard that a good sports psychologist can connect those bodies and make them come together.
The house that Mosby built
"Dr. Freud ... take a note"
Dr. Howard, dr.Bine, dr.Howard...
Starting to look the same as last year
What is your username?
I really don't understand why no one wants Giolito.He's only 31 years old, and while his 4.17 FIP indicates he got a little lucky in 2025, it's not terrible.His BB/9 was good, and only allowing 1.1 HR/9 last year is good even when he pitches at home at Fenway.It has no QO attached and is not a Boras client.
You have to think this injury news would push the Braves to sign him.He might not be a top rotation player.But he can still give you quality chances and keep you in the game.
What do I know, but he made $19 million last year and had a sore right elbow the last time he hit.
Maybe he's holding out for $100 million or something and teams are afraid he'll break.
After his first seven starts last year, Giolito had his arm angle go from 49 degrees to 53 degrees...in his last 18 starts he allowed a 2.51 ERA with a .620 OPS.
I have nothing good to say about the leadership of this team, so out of respect for my good friend NashvilleJeff, I'm leaving this conversation.
Save the Fire.You may not like what you say, but some of it is probably needed.
Schwellenbach had his bone spur removed.Waldrep has a loose body.
Maybe Charlie Morton will come back
Time to bring in some loose bodies to try out for rotation spots.Sounds like a broken record here, but they slept when the Padres brought in a rehab group of recruits. Even if 1-2 gives them competent innings, it helps.
There's not even a guarantee those two will return this season, as they still had issues last year.It may just require more surgery.They just have to build a roster and get whoever they can.
Is Gonsolin ready to step in somewhere near the backfield?He hasn't been to the desert in years, must have thought at some point that it would be worth taking a plane on?Jon Grey?
They should propose to Nestor Cortes.Is it healthy?A bad year doesn't mean it's ripe
Agreed that one playoff game shouldn't define him
I feel the same way about him.I wanted him to be with the pirates.All was not lost, but I heard someone say it wouldn't be ready by opening day?
He didn't know of any long-term injuries, let alone anything related to him
Most men, especially lefties and his age, have had opportunity after opportunity to prove that they can reproduce.
It looks like he has had surgery on his arm and will not be ready until the All-Star break.
Learn something new here every day
Gonsolin underwent surgery to repair his internal brace/flexors in August 2025.There is no chance of his return this season.There is FA.Dodgers dfa November 2025 "due to extensive history of elbow injuries."Gray's season ended with TOS surgery in 2025.An August 23, 2025 article by Marek Polishuk in MLBTR suggested that Gray might retire.
Am I the only one hoping Ritchie shows he's ready for spring training?
Losing Squellenbach and Waldrep is bad, yes, but they're not done for the year.Both will return this season.For me, that opens the door for Richie to have a chance to make the roster that day.If he is ready, let him break.If Fuentes shows he's ready now, let him rip.Back to NL Rookie of the Year?!!!
Put the old man in blue and use him for an emergency 6th starter
We all know that at some point in the season, tongue, Lopez and Holmes can spend at least 15 days on the injured list.
Sale, Strider, Lopez, Holmes and Ritchie/Fuentes.Let's see what we have!!!Schwellenbach and Waldrep both return just in time to start the rotation with Sale, Lopez and Holmes on the injured list to keep them healthy for the playoffs.
GO Braves!!
I will eventually wake up.
They will probably make adults dizzy.
I know, but I hope Leach or Fuentes can force AA's hand and put Elder in the bullpen.
With you on Richie.I think Fuentes needs a season in Gwinnett to work on his fastball and develop his slider, CB and splitter.Sinnard is a dark horse.Might get some rotation time.We're probably stuck with Elder, Wentz and Martin Perez.
I agree, but I also know that Fuentes' clock has already started.So, all things being equal, I think Fuentes and Ritchie are up against Ritchie for that reason alone.
Yes, you are alone
valents25 I love your positive attitude. fingers crossed.
Braves need positive health news.Any team can say the same, I think the Bravos need it most of all.
I would say try to trade with the Red Sox for some of their depth, but I do not know if their needs are really well aligned.
Make a trade with the Padres for the best 4 guys fighting for the 5th rotation spot. Preller trade everyone.He didn't hesitate to sign up extra kids to fill out the rotation.
Or sign Zack Littell.Trade bait when everyone returns healthy by mid-year.
Elder will return to his All-Star status.
Fever Man
FILE - Bassett has signed two T-shirts with Baltimore.
Assuming the recovery is good and no damage or defects, we won't see them until June at the earliest.
No ABS in 27
Elbow ligaments are the cartilage and bone that are removed from the elbow joint, which can make the joint unstable and lead to ligament damage.
Both will likely go to TJ at some point.
L b because you
Grant Holmes warms up in the Surgery Prep room.Lopex.Sale, and Strider are very familiar with surgical procedures, so don't count them out.Several Pitchers made return trips to the Surgery room. It's starting to look a lot like last year.
Starting containers for Brave 2026 should start between 18-20
The loose body happened last year.It's about Hamate friends.Catch up.
Reluctance to go with 4-4.5 innings 160 innings + reliable arms will pay off for this team like last year.
If a sale is made or signed Littell is happy to be proven wrong.
Its rotation is already hanging by a thread
Trade Hunter Green and you will do so this afternoon
Why did the reds do that?Someone has to win the NL Central and it could be the Reds.
Time to call Bartolo
He's only 52 years old! Pablo Sandoval did some pitching for the Atlantic League team last year.He is only 39 years old!
A very real possibility that both Carlos Carrasco and Martin Perez are in the Braves' early season rotation
No way Carrasco - he's 11-12 on the depth chart (if he's too tall.) Perez maybe.
Yes, Carrasco... conspiracy theory.The new pitching coach wanted to bring him back into the rotation and sabotaged the rest of the starting lineup.
Before anyone thinks this is bullshit, it is satirical stupidity.
OK, I'm available for $100K. On the downside, the only thing in my repertoire is a foul ball that's as good as the one thrown by the great Gaylord Perry.
Kopech is still out, starter Ala Lopez could be back and if he stays well the others could change when they return in the offseason.That amount should not be more than 3-5m.Maybe a few months would be a good option.
Last year's rotation was hot, this year we're going to include some loose stuff.Diversity.( :
Louie and Nellie
The Braves should call up the Red Sox for some of their additional starters.Maybe they should break up with Riley.
It's funny.Since the Red Sox need a 3B bat, you'd think the Braves would trade Riley for a "surplus starter".??????Ridiculous."... I have to break up with Riley."I think I just laughed it off.
Louie and Nelly
Hey Nash, notice I said starters.Add an OF and/or maybe Durbin to play the 3rd position and a deal is on the table.2 teams need what the other team has.Not so funny.
You said “NEED TO START.”This shows that you believe the Sox should get Riley for a couple of depth pitchers beyond the top five BoSox rotation players, a no-name player and a utility player.Three years ago, the Braves traded Durbin for Lucas Lutge.Shows that they thought about him - not much.Durbin is projected to be an 87. wRC+ hitter this season.It's just a stretch - a weak 2B/3B utility.The Braves won't trade Riley for that bag of parts.No offense, but this is a homer on the Sox wish list that, in my opinion, has no chance of being considered by Atlanta.Honestly, I don't think the Braves would have given Riley straight to Crochet.
Louie and Nellie
Nash Let me be honest for you BLUEPRINT.
I trade Profar.He won't get that much, but a needy team can bite.
If you trade Profar, I bet Astros will be willing to trade your real value if you cover part of his contract.
Profar has no trade value @$15 million.Before 24 (PED) he was a below average hitter (97 wRC+) and was never a good defender.No team is in danger of not returning to that production.
Thanks for making me uninterested in Profar.
I'm interested in a catcher who can hit 20 bombs and is great at guarding/managing players...even healthy ones.Sean Murphy's baby.
But our field staff is not healthy (now it is, but maybe not later).
Well.. he’s got a lot of experience handling unhealthy pitching staffs….
Lindsey Vonn said they will resume pitching before the end of spring training.
