Braves’ Pitching Depth Tested Early: Schwellenbach, Waldrep Begin Season on Shelf
NORTH PORT, Fla. – The crack of bats and the pop of catchers’ mitts typically signal a spring of boundless optimism in MLB camps. For the Atlanta Braves, however, the early rhythms of spring training have been interrupted by the sobering news of surgical procedures for two key young arms. As the club eyes a return to the top of the National League East, its celebrated pitching depth faces an immediate and significant test before a single regular-season pitch has been thrown.
The Braves announced Wednesday that right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach underwent surgery to remove “loose bodies” from his elbow. Furthermore, top pitching prospect Hurston Waldrep is scheduled for a similar procedure next week. While both injuries are considered relatively minor in the grand spectrum of elbow ailments, they guarantee the Braves will open the 2025 season without two pitchers expected to compete for vital rotation innings. The developments cast an early shadow over a roster constructed to withstand the marathon of a 162-game season.
Navigating the Surgical Setbacks: Timelines and Implications
For Manager Walt Weiss and President of Baseball Operations Alex Anthopoulos, the news is a frustrating but manageable blow. The key phrase from the team is “loose bodies,” often referring to small fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the joint. The cleanup procedures, while requiring recovery time, are far less severe than ligament-reconstruction surgeries like Tommy John.
Manager Walt Weiss expressed cautious optimism, telling reporters he is “hopeful that both will be able to pitch this season.” The lack of a definitive timeline is standard, but given Schwellenbach’s existing placement on the 60-day injured list in February due to elbow inflammation, a mid-summer return seems a plausible target for both hurlers. The critical detail for Waldrep is that his MRI revealed no ligament damage, a major relief for the organization regarding its first-round investment.
This dual absence reshapes the Braves’ spring training calculus entirely. What was a burgeoning competition for the fifth starter’s job and long-relief roles has now been simplified by necessity. The focus shifts from who might win a job to who must now step up to fill the void.
Profiles in Patience: Who Are Schwellenbach and Waldrep?
The loss of these two pitchers stings because of the distinct and promising value each brings to the organization.
Spencer Schwellenbach, 25, emerged as one of the most compelling stories in baseball last season. After a big league debut in 2024 where he posted a solid 3.35 ERA in 21 starts, he truly flourished before injury struck. In 2025, prior to a broken right elbow that ended his season in July, he was dazzling:
- Record & ERA: 7-4 with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts.
- Dominant Stretch: Over his final 10 starts, he went 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA.
- Elite Control: In that dominant stretch, he racked up 71 strikeouts against only 11 walks in 69.1 innings.
Schwellenbach wasn’t just a fill-in; he was a stabilizing force, demonstrating poise and command beyond his years. His absence removes a proven mid-rotation performer from the early-season equation.
Hurston Waldrep, who turns 24 next week, represents the high-ceiling future. The Braves’ first-round pick in 2023 out of the University of Florida, Waldrep is known for a devastating split-finger fastball that made him one of the most feared collegiate pitchers in the country. His 2024 season was a tale of adjustment in the minors, but his pure stuff is considered among the best in the farm system. This spring was his golden opportunity to force the issue and compete for a major league role. While the delay is a setback, the preservation of his ligament health is the silver lining.
The “Next Man Up” Brigade: Internal Options for the Braves
The Braves’ organizational strength is about to be validated. Anthopoulos has consistently stockpiled pitching, and this is the exact scenario that philosophy is designed to address. The front-end of the rotation, anchored by Max Fried and a healthy Spencer Strider, remains formidable. But the back-end now has immediate openings.
Leading internal candidates to absorb innings now include:
- Bryce Elder: The 2023 All-Star provides experienced depth and is a prime candidate to step into a starting role. His ground-ball prowess is a known asset.
- AJ Smith-Shawver: The electric right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance. With more refinement, this could be the opening he needs to secure a permanent rotation spot.
- Dylan Dodd or Jared Shuster: Both left-handers have major league starting experience and will be in the mix for the fifth spot or a long-relief role.
- Ian Anderson: On the comeback trail from Tommy John surgery, his progression will be one of the most watched storylines of the spring and summer.
Furthermore, the bullpen—already a strength with the likes of Raisel Iglesias, A.J. Minter, and Joe Jiménez—may see its role expanded in the form of bullpen games or targeted use of openers. The Braves have the tactical flexibility and arm talent to navigate short-term shortages.
Season Outlook and Predictions: A Bump, Not a Roadblock
In the immediate term, the losses of Schwellenbach and Waldrep put more pressure on the remaining starters to stay healthy and perform early. It also tests the team’s offensive firepower to win higher-scoring games in April and May. However, to declare this a crisis for a team of Atlanta’s caliber would be an overreaction.
This is a temporary depletion of depth, not a catastrophic blow to the core. The predictions here are twofold:
- The Braves will start slightly slower than expected, as the rotation settles into its new temporary hierarchy. Games started by the 4th and 5th starters early on will carry more uncertainty.
- By the All-Star break, this will be viewed as a minor footnote. The anticipated returns of both Schwellenbach and Waldrep in the second half will function like major trade deadline acquisitions, injecting fresh, high-quality arms into the staff for the pennant race.
The ultimate success of the 2025 Braves was never going to hinge solely on April performances. It will hinge on health in October. These surgeries, while untimely, are proactive measures aimed at ensuring both pitchers are clean, healthy, and available for the most important games later in the year. The journey for Schwellenbach and Waldrep is now one of rehabilitation and patience. For the Braves, it’s a reminder of the relentless attrition of a baseball season and the paramount importance of the next man on the depth chart. Their championship aspirations remain fully intact, but the path just got a little more interesting.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
