ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep will have season-ending surgeries after setbacks in their rehabilitations from procedures on their pitching elbows before the season.
The Braves announced Friday that Waldrep will require Tommy John surgery, which could sideline him for the 2027 season. Waldrep, a 24-year-old Georgia native who made his MLB debut in June 2024, had a procedure to remove loose bodies from his right elbow before the season.
Schwellenbach had surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow in February, and his season-ending procedure will address more bone spurs. Schwellenbach, 26, who made his MLB debut in May 2024, missed the final three months in 2025 with a fractured eight elbow.
Schwellenbach and Waldrep each experienced discomfort while throwing recently, leading to MRI scans that led to the recommendations for each to have surgery.
Meanwhile, Atlanta manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Spencer Strider, who has been on the injured list since June 13 with right elbow inflammation, is facing diminished odds of returning this season. Strider, 27, made his MLB debut in October 2021.