Braves’ Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep to have season-ending surgeries

Atlanta Braves right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep will undergo season-ending surgeries due to setbacks in their elbow rehabilitation before the season. The Braves announced that Waldrep will undergo Tommy John surgery, which could sideline him for the 2027 season. Schwellenbach had a prior surgery in February to remove bone spurs from his right elbow and his upcoming procedure will address more bone spurs.

Both players experienced discomfort while throwing recently, leading to MRIs that recommended surgery. Manager Walt Weiss acknowledged that the road to recovery for Schwellenbach and Waldrep was uneven in spring training, but still expected they wouldn't require season-ending surgeries. The losses of Schwellenbach, Waldrep, and potentially reliever Robert Suarez, who is also on the injured list, weaken the Braves' rotation as they prepare for the playoffs.