The Atlanta Braves will begin spring training without two key rotation candidates after both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep underwent elbow procedures. Schwellenbach had surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies from his right elbow, while Waldrep is scheduled for a similar procedure next week. Manager Walt Weiss expressed hope that both pitchers could return this season, though no timeline was provided.

Schwellenbach, 25, was placed on the 60-day injured list on Feb. 10 due to right elbow inflammation. Last season, he posted a 7-4 record with a 3.08 ERA in 17 starts before a broken right elbow ended his campaign. Waldrep, the Braves' 2023 first-round pick from Florida, experienced discomfort after throwing batting practice over the weekend. The 24-year-old showed no ligament damage on MRI.

Before his injury last season, Schwellenbach went 6-1 with a 2.60 ERA over his final 10 starts, striking out 71 batters while walking just 11 in 69⅓ innings. His strong finish helped the Braves win eight of those games. The right-hander made his big league debut in 2024, going 8-7 with a 3.35 ERA in 21 starts. The Braves now face uncertainty in their pitching rotation as they prepare for the upcoming season.