The Atlanta Braves have placed right-handed pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach on the 15-day injured list following the diagnosis of a right elbow fracture, intensifying concerns about the team’s pitching depth and his future availability. The Spencer Schwellenbach elbow fracture injury was announced as the latest setback for the club, impacting their rotation just as struggles continue this season.
After feeling soreness following his latest outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, Schwellenbach underwent evaluation where a small fracture was detected. According to reports relayed by Mark Bowman, Schwellenbach will be shut down for four weeks before being reevaluated, with potential plans to return to the major league roster in September if recovery goes well.
Braves’ Pitching Rotation Faces Series of Setbacks
Schwellenbach’s injury adds to a mounting list of challenges for Atlanta. Before his recent setback, he was having an impressive full rookie campaign. Schwellenbach had established himself by pitching in 21 outings last year, where he achieved a 3.35 ERA over 123 and two-thirds innings, and earned a rotation place for the following season. In 2024, he had further improved to a 3.09 ERA across 17 starts. Combining his major league experience so far, he’s posted a 3.23 ERA with a 25.2% strikeout rate, only a 4.4% walk rate, and kept 44.1% of balls in play on the ground across 234 and one-third innings.
This promising journey is now paused as medical staff plan to keep Schwellenbach off the mound for at least a month. The earliest he could return would be August—if there are no further setbacks, he could ramp up to pitch again by September. However, the risk remains that the injury could linger and prevent a late-season return, further complicating the Braves’ plans.
Meanwhile, the Braves continue to juggle roster moves in response to their injury-plagued season. Left-hander Austin Cox has been recalled to fill Schwellenbach’s spot, while Daysbel Hernández rejoined the roster from the IL. Kevin Herget was optioned, and as a previously reported move, outfielder Jurickson Profar was reinstated from the restricted list while Alex Verdugo was designated for assignment.
Injury Report: A Cascade of Difficulties for Atlanta
The 2024 season’s turbulence hasn’t been limited to Schwellenbach. Atlanta’s rotation began with optimism, but a series of injuries soon followed. Reynaldo López exited after just one appearance to undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery; he’s been sidelined since and a timeline for his return remains unclear. AJ Smith-Shawver also went down after needing Tommy John surgery, essentially ruling him out into next year. Recently, Chris Sale suffered a fractured rib cage and has since moved to the 60-day injured list, removing him from action until at least mid-August.
Combined with underperformance throughout the roster and the loss of Profar for a period of time following a PED suspension, Atlanta has struggled to find stability. Their current record sits at 38 wins and 46 losses, putting the team seven games out of playoff contention while needing to surpass six competitors. Injuries remain a central theme, and the loss of Schwellenbach only adds to those difficulties.
Roster Adjustments and Outlook for Season’s Remainder
With Schwellenbach unavailable, the Braves will rely on a starting rotation consisting of Spencer Strider, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Didier Fuentes. To round out their pitching options, Hurston Waldrep, Nathan Wiles, or Davis Daniel remain candidates for recall. However, organizational depth has been stretched with minor leaguers like José Suarez, Ian Anderson, and Zach Thompson all dealing with their own injuries, limiting available alternatives for the big league roster.
As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, focus shifts to the future. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos had previously maintained a positive outlook regarding the team’s approach to trades, indicating the club did not intend to sell assets. However, the escalating toll of injuries to key starters like Sale and Schwellenbach has made postseason contention less certain. Anthopoulos alluded to a possible reevaluation of that strategy as July winds down and results become clearer, acknowledging that the team’s position in the standings may force reconsideration of their plans.
Uncertain Road Ahead for the Braves’ Season
This latest blow, with the Spencer Schwellenbach elbow fracture injury, puts the Braves under even greater pressure to salvage a season already defined by setbacks. As the team navigates critical weeks before the trade deadline, decisions about whether to continue competing for a playoff spot or begin looking ahead to 2026 will be front and center for club leadership. The coming month will determine how the Braves chart their next steps amid continuing adversity.