Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach will begin the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list after being diagnosed with elbow inflammation. The 25-year-old pitcher, who posted a 3.09 ERA in 17 starts last season, is the latest Braves starter to face a significant injury setback.

Manager Walt Weiss indicated the team believes Schwellenbach avoided a UCL tear but suspects bone spurs are causing the inflammation in the same elbow that sidelined him for the final three months of 2025. The Braves placed him on the IL during their first spring training workout for pitchers and catchers. Weiss declined to provide a specific return timeline, stating the recovery will require "significant time."

This injury compounds Atlanta's pitching depth concerns after multiple starters missed extended time in 2025, including Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver. Weiss acknowledged the inevitability of pitching injuries but expressed confidence in the organization's capable replacements ready to step up. The Braves will need to rely on their depth as they aim to remain competitive in the NL East despite losing their promising young starter to begin the season.