The Atlanta Braves have been at Spring Training for a week now as they try to prepare for a return to the playoffs after missing out last season. Atlanta’s starting rotation was plagued by injuries a year ago—issues that proved too much to overcome. Unfortunately, those concerns resurfaced on the first day of camp, when it was announced that Spencer Schwellenbach had already suffered an injury.
“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.
By the weekend, it was also announced that young talent Hurston Waldrep is undergoing testing after experiencing arm discomfort. This is brutal news for the Braves, who already entered the offseason needing to add starting pitching.
“The Atlanta Braves’ rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove “loose bodies” found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.
The situation worsened when the Arizona Diamondbacks re-signed Zac Gallen at the start of the weekend, taking him off the market after he had been viewed as a potential target for Atlanta.
“Zac Gallen returns to the Diamondbacks on a 1-year, $22.025 million contract with $14 million deferred after market craters,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.
The Braves are now in a difficult position after missing out on Gallen and receiving troubling injury news on Waldrep, who is coming off a strong season. The nightmare injuries continue for Atlanta—even with Spring Training just getting underway.
Atlanta is already starting to feel its back against the wall when it comes to the pitching staff. While there are still some options on the table, they continue to grow fewer by the day.
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