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Braves Pitchers Schwellenbach and Waldrep Face Elbow Surgeries

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves underwent elbow surgery to remove bone spurs and was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 10.
Hurston Waldrep of the Atlanta Braves will undergo a similar elbow procedure on February 20, 2026, and is likely to be placed on the injured list.
Manager Walt Weiss remains hopeful that both pitchers return this season, while AJ Smith-Shawver recovers from Tommy John surgery.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, orthopedic surgeon Frank Jobe performed the first ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, now known as Tommy John surgery, on pitcher Tommy John, who later extended his career by 14 seasons. By 2020, over 30,000 such surgeries had been performed, significantly impacting player recovery in Major League Baseball, as seen with current Braves pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep facing similar procedures.

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Story summary

Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves underwent elbow surgery to remove bone spurs and was placed on the 60-day injured list on February 10.
Hurston Waldrep of the Atlanta Braves will undergo a similar elbow procedure on February 20, 2026, and is likely to be placed on the injured list.
Manager Walt Weiss remains hopeful that both pitchers return this season, while AJ Smith-Shawver recovers from Tommy John surgery.

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