ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach broke his right elbow during a start last weekend and was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday, with that move retroactive to Sunday.
Schwellenbach said he felt tightness during last Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies, when he threw 90 pitches while allowing one run and three hits in seven innings.
He felt sore the following day, and imaging Monday revealed a small fracture at the top of the elbow. Schwellenbach said he was told this was a freak injury and said he hopes to be back this season, his second in the majors.
The 25-year-old is 7-4 with a 3.09 ERA and leads the Braves in wins, walks plus hits per inning pitched (0.967) and innings pitched (110 2/3). He has won six of his past seven decisions.
“We’re pushing young guys all the time,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said, “and may end up that we have to do it again.”