Braves' Walt Weiss gives concerning Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach injury update

The Atlanta Braves have been plagued by pitching injuries throughout the season, whether in the starting rotation or the bullpen. It is an issue that also hampered Atlanta last year, and one the organization has been unable to escape.

The Braves remain in first place in the NL East, but the warning signs were there before the regular season even began when Spencer Schwellenbach entered Spring Training dealing with an injury.

“The Braves opened camp this morning with an unwelcome update on talented young righty Spencer Schwellenbach. He’s been placed on the 60-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow, per Mark Bowman of MLB.com. The team’s hope is that the 25-year-old is dealing with bone spurs and not something more nefarious,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams wrote.

From there, the injuries continued to pile up as the season progressed. Spencer Strider suffered another setback after returning from the injury that caused him to begin the season on the injured list.

“Strider has been shut down from throwing for four weeks following a consultation with Dr. Keith Meister. He'll then have a follow-up MRI. A clean scan would clear him to start a throwing progression. Given where this looked headed on Friday night, the Braves have to be relieved. An MRI taken Saturday in Atlanta came back showing nothing but inflammation and no ligament damage,” USA Today’s Kristie Ackert wrote.

On Friday, MLB.com's Mark Bowman asked Braves manager Walt Weiss whether Strider and Schwellenbach were done for the season. Weiss' response did little to provide clarity.

“I wouldn’t say it’s inaccurate. I think there is a chance we see both of them this year. But sitting here today, it’s hard to say,” Weiss told Bowman.

It is an unfortunate turn of events, especially after Schwellenbach's strong 2025 season. Meanwhile, Strider has continued working to return to full strength but has been unable to stay healthy.

The situation has been frustrating for both pitchers, but their long-term health remains the top priority. Based on the latest update, it appears more important than ever for the Braves to pursue additional starting pitching before the trade deadline.

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