The Atlanta Braves are barely into Spring Training, and already, the pitching depth is taking hits left and right. Just a year removed from an injury-riddled campaign, the Braves are staring down a familiar problem - and this time, it’s starting before the first exhibition pitch has even been thrown.
The latest blow came Sunday, when manager Walt Weiss revealed that promising right-hander Hurston Waldrep is dealing with arm discomfort. That’s never a phrase you want to hear in February, especially not when it’s followed by the words “may need surgery.”
According to Weiss, Waldrep is undergoing further testing after an MRI revealed “loose bodies” in his arm. The good news?
No ligament damage. The bad news?
The Braves are still awaiting a clearer picture, and surgery remains on the table.
Waldrep reported the issue after throwing a round of batting practice - a routine spring activity that’s now turned into a potential setback for both the pitcher and the rotation. For a team that’s already navigating thin margins in the starting five, this isn’t just a blip. It’s a warning sign.
And Waldrep’s not alone. The injury bug bit early this year, with Spencer Schwellenbach hitting the 60-day injured list on the very first day of camp. The 25-year-old righty is dealing with inflammation in his throwing elbow, and while the hope is that it’s “just” bone spurs, it’s still a tough blow for a young arm expected to push for a role in 2026.
Now, with two young arms sidelined before Grapefruit League games even begin, Atlanta’s front office is back in the market - and fast-tracking their efforts. The name drawing the most attention? Lucas Giolito.
Giolito, one of the last notable starters still on the free-agent board, has seen his market heat up in recent days. According to league sources, the Braves and Padres have moved to the forefront of negotiations, with the Phillies and Mets still hovering in the background.
But make no mistake - Atlanta’s interest is serious. The timing of the Waldrep and Schwellenbach news has only intensified the urgency.
The Braves aren’t just window-shopping here. They’re in buy-now mode.
And they need to be. Even with a strong returning core, the Braves can’t afford to roll into the season with question marks in the rotation.
Not in a National League that’s as deep and competitive as ever. They need a stabilizing presence, someone who can eat innings and bridge the gap until the staff is back at full strength - if that happens at all.
Giolito isn’t a perfect fix. His 2025 season was a mixed bag, and consistency has been elusive at times.
But in a market this thin, he’s one of the few remaining arms with the experience and upside to make a meaningful impact. For Atlanta, that’s more than enough reason to make a push.
The clock’s ticking. With Spring Training just getting underway, the Braves are already feeling the pressure. And if they can’t land Giolito or another viable arm soon, they may be forced to lean harder on depth pieces and untested talent - a risky proposition for a club with championship aspirations.
It’s early, but the stakes are already high in Atlanta. The front office has some tough decisions to make. And if they don’t act fast, this season could start off with more questions than answers - especially on the mound.