Spring Training has kicked off for the Atlanta Braves, and the buzz is all about how they'll handle their starting rotation. With Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep expected to miss significant time, the Braves are in a bit of a bind.
The news from camp wasn't what fans wanted to hear. Spencer Schwellenbach, a promising young right-hander, has hit the 60-day injured list due to elbow inflammation. The team is crossing their fingers that it's just bone spurs, but they're bracing for anything more serious.
With Schwellenbach sidelined, Hurston Waldrep was expected to step up. Unfortunately, he's now facing a similar issue.
After some discomfort during batting practice, an MRI revealed "loose bodies" in his arm. While there's no ligament damage, the situation is still unfolding as further tests are pending.
Walt Weiss, in his debut season as Braves manager, has a tough job ahead. He's contemplating starting the season with a six-man rotation, especially with a packed schedule of games in the first two weeks. It seems like a sensible approach, provided they have enough healthy arms.
The Braves have some big decisions to make over the next month. Whether they stick with their current roster or look to bolster the rotation through free agency or trades is still up in the air.
Though it's not the ideal start for Atlanta, there's still time to adjust and strategize. Weiss, stepping up from his role as bench coach, is no stranger to these challenges and will need to draw on that experience as he navigates these early hurdles.