As the Atlanta Braves gear up for the 2026 season, the injury news surrounding their rotation has fans buzzing. With both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep set to start the season on the 60-day injured list, let's break down what this really means for the Braves.
While losing any player to injury is never ideal, Hurston Waldrep's absence might not hit the Braves as hard as some fear, at least not right away. According to Braves beat writer Mark Bowman, Waldrep was expected to kick off the season with Triple-A Gwinnett. The 23-year-old still has minor league options, making him a flexible piece in Atlanta's roster puzzle.
Waldrep certainly turned heads last season, boasting a 2.88 ERA over 56.1 innings. Yet, despite his impressive showing, roster decisions often come down to flexibility. Each spring, the option process can shift plans, and Waldrep seemed likely to start the season in the minors.
There’s hope that both Schwellenbach and Waldrep could be back in action by June or July, but the Braves are keeping their cards close to the chest, opting not to commit to a timeline just yet.
The real impact of Waldrep's injury is more about depth than the Opening Day roster. While he showed promise in 2025, expecting him to deliver consistent production in 2026 might have been a stretch.
Projections had him pegged for innings in the low-to-mid 100s with an ERA around 4.00-solid numbers, but not game-changing. With Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz out of minor league options, they were likely to get the first shot at rotation spots, suggesting Waldrep would have started elsewhere.
Some might question GM Alex Anthopoulos for not beefing up the pitching depth, but the injuries to Schwellenbach-and even Ha-Seong Kim-are more pressing for the Braves. Both have proven themselves in the majors, a level Waldrep is still striving to reach. The difference in experience and certainty is clear.
In the end, while Waldrep's injury is a setback, it doesn't drastically change the Braves' early-season plans. The team is banking on their established players to carry the load, with Waldrep's development being a longer-term project. His potential remains exciting, but for now, Atlanta's success will depend on the health and performance of their seasoned major leaguers.