Spring training is underway in North Port, and while the Atlanta Braves came in with high expectations, the early injury report has already thrown a wrench into their plans. Two key arms-Spencer Schwellenbach and Joe Jimenez-are expected to miss significant time.
For Schwellenbach, it's a sizeable chunk of the season. For Jimenez, it could be the whole thing.
That’s a tough blow for a team looking to solidify both its rotation depth and bullpen stability before Opening Day.
The Braves had been linked to veteran right-hander Chris Bassitt to help round out the rotation, but he’s now off the board, having signed with the Orioles. That means Atlanta is likely heading into camp with an open competition for the fifth starter spot-and it's shaping up to be one of the key storylines to watch this spring.
According to Braves insider Mark Bowman’s early Opening Day roster projection-published before Schwellenbach’s injury status was made public-there were already a few intriguing calls, particularly in the bullpen. His initial list had Grant Holmes and Bryce Elder ticketed for relief roles, but that outlook may be shifting fast.
Let’s start behind the plate. The catching duo of Drake Baldwin and Sandy León is expected to open the season together.
Baldwin, coming off a strong rookie year, looks to take another step forward. León brings veteran leadership and could slot in as a steady backup or even allow Baldwin to slide into the DH spot when needed.
But don’t overlook Jonah Heim. The switch-hitting backstop has the tools to play his way onto the roster if he impresses this spring.
The infield, as expected, is rock solid. Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Mauricio Dubon form a dependable core.
While the Braves were rumored to have interest in Ha-Seong Kim, Dubon could be a sneaky-good fit-especially if he brings the same versatility and contact skills he’s shown in the past. The depth behind that group is thinner, with Jorge Mateo and Kyle Farmer filling utility roles.
It’s not ideal, but if the starters stay healthy, it shouldn’t be a major concern.
The outfield picture is a little more fluid, but still promising. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II are locked in.
Mike Yastrzemski and Jurickson Profar bring veteran presence, and Eli White adds some speed and defensive versatility. Profar is expected to open the year as the designated hitter, with Yaz likely patrolling left field.
Once Sean Murphy returns from injury, Profar could see more time in the field, giving manager Walt Weiss more lineup flexibility.
Now to the rotation, where things have gotten interesting-and not in the way Atlanta hoped. Schwellenbach’s injury and Bassitt’s decision to sign elsewhere leave the Braves with four penciled-in starters: Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, and Grant Holmes.
That’s a talented group, but also one with some question marks. Sale and López are both coming off injuries, and Holmes-who was initially projected as a bullpen piece-may now be thrust into a starting role.
The fifth spot? That’s up for grabs.
Bryce Elder, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz are all in the mix. Elder, who’s out of minor league options, may have the inside track simply due to roster logistics.
If he doesn’t win the job, he’s likely headed to the bullpen. Waldrep is a top prospect with electric stuff, but the Braves may want to keep him on a starter’s development path in Triple-A.
Wentz, meanwhile, has experience in both roles and could be a useful swingman.
The bullpen, even with the recent shake-ups, still looks solid. Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias headline the group.
Tyler Kinley, Dylan Lee, Aaron Bummer, and Joel Payamps round out a unit that blends power arms with experience. But with Holmes now likely in the rotation and Elder potentially joining him, Atlanta suddenly has two bullpen spots to fill.
That opens the door for someone like Wentz to step in as a long reliever. Waldrep could fit there too, but again, the Braves may prioritize his long-term development over short-term bullpen help. Either way, the injuries have forced Atlanta to get creative-and fast.
There’s still time before Opening Day, and the Braves have options. But these early setbacks are a reminder that depth matters, especially on the mound. Atlanta’s top-tier talent is still intact, but how they fill in the gaps-both in the rotation and the bullpen-could make all the difference once the real games begin.