In a major blow to the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation, right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach will open the regular season on the 60-day injured list as he deals with inflammation in his pitching elbow, MLB.com reported Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Schwellenbach, 25, was a breakout candidate last season after posting a 3.35 ERA in 21 starts as a rookie in 2024. However, he was sidelined in late June with a season-ending elbow fracture. He was expected to be ready for spring training, but the inflammation he experienced over the offseason derailed those plans.
With his placement on the 60-day IL, Schwellenbach will miss at least the first two months of the regular season. The move will create an open spot on the 40-man roster for backup catcher Jonah Heim, who agreed to a one-year deal earlier in the day.
Atlanta Braves projected 2026 rotation
With Schwellenbach out of action to start the season, and several other starters returning from injuries of their own, the Braves rotation seems a bit murky as they open camp in North Port, Florida.
- LHP Chris Sale
- RHP Spencer Strider
- RHP Reynaldo Lopez
- RHP Grant Holmes
- RHPs Hurston Waldrep/Bryce Elder
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spencer Schwellenbach headed to 60-day IL with elbow inflammation