Braves’ Spencer Schwellenbach to Start Season on 60-Day IL

The Atlanta Braves put pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list because of elbow inflammation. This setback came as the team kicked off its first spring workout for pitchers and catchers.

The news definitely makes you wonder about the timing. Still, the Braves hope the problem is just bone spurs, not a major UCL injury. They keep saying Schwellenbach’s long-term outlook looks good.

Spencer Schwellenbach’s Injury Update

The Braves said Schwellenbach will miss a big chunk of the early-season schedule as a precaution. He’ll undergo evaluation while they figure things out. The team suspects the inflammation in his pitching elbow—yep, the same one that sidelined him last year—might be bone spurs, not a serious UCL issue.

They haven’t given a specific return date, just that he’ll be out for a while. Schwellenbach, 25, pitched in 17 games last season, finishing with a 7-4 record and a 3.09 ERA. Then he fractured his pitching elbow and missed the last three months of the year.

The Braves are playing it safe here, wanting to protect a young arm. Their rotation has already taken some hits in recent seasons, so you can’t blame them for being a bit nervous.

Weiss’s Perspective and The Big Picture

“We’re sympathetic for Spencer and his situation,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said during a spring briefing. “We believe he’s avoided a serious UCL issue, and we’ll let the medical staff outline a timeline. It’s going to be significant, but it’s part of the process we’ll manage.” Weiss didn’t set a return date, just focused on the long-term health of his young pitcher.

The 60-day IL move really highlights how tough it’s been for the Braves to keep their young rotation healthy. Schwellenbach’s absence stings, but the team still trusts his potential and the depth they’ve built up. They pointed out that several starters have missed time before, so this isn’t exactly new territory. Schwellenbach showed promise before his injury, which gives them something to look forward to.

Impact on Braves’ Pitching Depth

Last season’s chaos with the rotation—multiple starters missing big stretches—definitely shapes how Atlanta approaches spring training now. Schwellenbach’s setback isn’t the only issue. Injuries have also hit Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver.

The Braves say they’re committed to protecting their pitchers. They’re looking at internal options and maybe even outside reinforcements. It’s all about building for a stronger future, or at least that’s the hope.

The big question is how Atlanta will juggle spring and the season with so many moving parts. They want to keep their pitchers healthy but also need enough depth to stay competitive all year. That’s a tough balance, honestly.

What to Watch For

• Timeline for Schwellenbach’s return and what treatment he’ll need for the elbow inflammation.
• Whether bone spurs are actually the cause—and if so, will he need surgery or just rest?
• How this opens up spring competition for other young pitchers trying to grab rotation or bullpen roles.
• What kind of shot AJ Smith-Shawver gets to contribute in the majors this year.
• How the rotation holds up as the Braves try to develop talent and still put together a winning season.

Looking Ahead for the Braves

The Braves’ long-term outlook still feels pretty positive, even with this setback. Weiss’s leadership helps, and the organization’s depth-first approach gives them some breathing room as Schwellenbach recovers.

If the elbow issue is just a bone spur and not a UCL problem, Atlanta will probably rely on a mix of young prospects and seasoned veterans to keep the rotation afloat. Honestly, nobody knows for sure how quickly Schwellenbach will get back to throwing with confidence.

The rest of the staff faces their own spring health challenges, so it’s going to be interesting to see who steps up.

 
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