Braves Lose Two Right-Handers to Season-Ending Elbow Surgeries

The Atlanta Braves announced that right-handers Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach will undergo season-ending elbow surgeries. Waldrep is slated for Tommy John surgery, which is expected to keep him out through the 2027 season. Schwellenbach will have a second procedure to address bone spurs in the same elbow that was fractured in 2025. No surgery dates have been set.

ESPNBraves get worst-case injury updates on Hurston Waldrep, Spencer Schwellenbach New York TimesSports Illustrated

Both pitchers had previously undergone elbow procedures in February 2026—Waldrep to remove loose bodies and Schwellenbach to remove bone spurs. Waldrep returned to the major-league roster in late June, made three appearances, and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after his July 7 outing. He pitched a single start for the Stripers on July 19, lasting three innings before being placed on a seven-day Triple-A injured list on July 21. Schwellenbach spent most of the season rehabbing in the Braves’ North Port complex after missing the majority of 2025 with a fractured elbow.

New York Times

• Hurston Waldrep: 15 MLB games, 6-3 win-loss record, 4.99 ERA (Atlanta Journal-Constitution).

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

• Spencer Schwellenbach: Underwent bone-spur removal in February 2026; now requires additional surgery for recurring spurs.

ESPN

• Rotation impact: The Braves’ starter ERA sits at 3.58, the fourth-lowest in the NL, but the loss of two right-handers reduces depth ahead of the postseason.

New York Times

The Braves’ spokesperson said an MRI showed persistent discomfort in Waldrep’s elbow, leading doctors to “highly recommend” surgery. Weiss also commented on right-hander Spencer Strider, who has been on the injured list since June 13 with right elbow inflammation, saying the odds of his return this season are diminishing.

ESPN

• “You start to run out of time. So I wouldn't rule it out, but I'd say it's a long shot.” — Walt Weiss, manager

ESPN

• “I was still surprised because the guys were going through their throwing progressions,” — Walt Weiss, manager

ESPN

• “Then at some point, if things aren't right, it's gonna flare up again and that's what happened with both guys.” — Walt Weiss, manager

ESPN

With the loss of Waldrep and Schwellenbach, the Braves will rely on left-hander Chris Sale, right-hander Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, Martín Pérez, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Tyler Mahle to fill the rotation. Reliever Robert Suarez, also on the injured list, is expected to return to mound work soon, and Reynaldo López is making rehab starts in Triple-A, offering additional depth as the team approaches the playoffs.

New York Times