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Two significant injury updates have surfaced for the Atlanta Braves, as reported by Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from the General Manager Meetings in Las Vegas.
Right-hander Spencer Strider is anticipated to make his comeback at some point during the spring, offering a glimmer of optimism for the pitching staff.
Conversely, the Braves are adopting a more conservative stance with fellow right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach. The team intends to proceed much more slowly with his rehabilitation, and he is not projected to be available for the beginning of the 2027 campaign.
Schwellenbach has been sidelined from major league action since June 2025, when he initially sustained a fractured elbow. During spring training, as he began to ramp up, it was discovered in the first week that he would require an elbow procedure, which ultimately cost him the entire 2026 season. His recovery was further complicated by another elbow fracture, necessitating an additional procedure.
Given these setbacks, the Braves have little choice but to exercise extreme caution, as Schwellenbach's career now finds itself in a precarious position.
Strider, meanwhile, suffered an oblique injury just before opening day and, although he did pitch during the 2026 season, additional injuries limited him to action only through June before he was shut down for the year. Current projections suggest there is at least some hope for Strider's return.
Schwellenbach, however, remains in a state of uncertainty. At this point, the team can only hope that both pitchers can return in some serviceable capacity. The previous approach did not yield success for either player, but with Schwellenbach, a clear change in direction is evident. For Strider, the effectiveness of this new path remains to be seen. For the sake of both careers, an approach that works out for each would be welcomed.
Harrison Smajovits is a reporter covering the Atlanta Braves and the Florida Gators. He also covers the Tampa Bay Lightning for The Hockey Writers. He holds two degrees from the University of Florida: a bachelor's in Telecommunication and a master's in Sport Management. When not writing, Harrison is usually listening to his Beatles records or spending time with friends. Follow HarrisonSmaj.