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Braves reportedly relying on $2M in-house rebound arm to fill void left by early rotation injuries originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tragedy struck the Atlanta Braves in 2025 as injuries to the starting rotation continued to pile up. Now, with the 2026 regular season still a month away, the Braves are once again dealing with pitching setbacks. The first major blow came when promising right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach went down.
“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.
Throughout the offseason, it was clear Atlanta needed to add another starting pitcher. However, general manager Alex Anthopoulos was firm in his stance that any addition needed to have postseason-caliber ability. That requirement remained consistent all winter.
“We’ve explored the starting rotation, adding and getting some type of starter, whether that’s a trade or signing. We’d like for it to be someone impactful, someone we think can start a playoff game,” Anthopoulos said.
Since then, circumstances have shifted dramatically. The Braves are now expected to be without two starters for at least the first half of the season. To date, Atlanta has not made a significant signing or trade to address the issue. MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal offered insight into why that may be the case.
“They feel, perhaps, that Bryce Elder can hold this down in a way that at least buys them some time,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory.
Bryce Elder is now expected to slot into the rotation following injuries to Hurston Waldrep and Schwellenbach. Entering Spring Training, it was uncertain whether Elder would secure one of the back-end rotation spots.
Now, the right-hander will face significant pressure to stabilize the rotation through the first month or two of the season. The organization’s public confidence in him could provide a needed boost after a shaky 2025 campaign.
More MLB news:
Phillies urged to part ways with $10M All-Star, former top prospect, Rookie of the Year runner-up
Braves predicted to replace Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep with $38M All-Star, Cy Young arm
Mets blockbuster trade idea lands $100M Gold Glove winner to pair with Juan Soto, Luis Robert Jr.
Braves predicted to trade for $131M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner to salvage depleted rotation
Dodgers could break baseball with 'bulletproof' trade for $100M 2-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner
Phillies predicted to trade for $100M Gold Glove winner, 2-time All-Star to pair with Bryce Harper
Braves predicted to sign $38M All-Star, Cy Young-caliber arm to rescue pitching rotation nightmare
Braves' Alex Anthopoulos blasted for letting $22M Cy Young arm go amid Spencer Schwellenbach injury
Mets claim Dodgers' $1M World Series champion off waivers, joining Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta
Braves predicted to trade for $100M Gold Glove winner, 2X All-Star to Pair with Ronald Acuna Jr.
Braves' surprise signing of NL East rival, MLB starter, raises questions about GM Alex Anthopoulos
Braves reportedly attempting to outbid Mets, Phillies, Padres for $38M All-Star amid injury news
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