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Hurston Waldrep could be on the outside looking in when it comes to Atlanta’s 2026 roster.
As MLB Spring Training has begun, there have been numerous reports surrounding all 30 MLB teams. For the Atlanta Braves, it’s been a lot of bad news before the season has even started. Starter Spencer Schwellenbach is having elbow issues and will miss at least the first two months of the 2026 season.
Amid other reports and such regarding the Braves, on Sunday, Mark Bowman reported that Hurston Waldrep could miss some time due to some soreness after his live BP session. Bowman and other reports are reporting from North Port, FLA, where the Braves’ spring training facility is.
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Hurston Waldrep Dealing with an Elbow Issue
It is still very early in the spring training cycle, but the Braves’ rotation can not handle injuries before exhibition games even kick off. Schwellenbach’s injury seemed to be lingering from the offseason, as that was the first injury report out of the Braves’ spring camp.
The only good news Atlanta has received is that Ha-Seong Kim may return sometime in May after his hand injury, which is an earlier timeline than the All-Star break.
Here is what Mark Bowman of MLB.com had to say about Hurston Waldrep’s elbow issue:
“Hurston Waldrep had some elbow discomfort this week. A MRI showed loose bodies, but the ligament seemed fine. He will see Dr. Meister this week. The Braves don’t know how long he might be out. ”
GettyHurston Waldrep could be on the outside looking in when it comes to Atlanta’s 2026 roster.[/caption]
Waldrep is expected to compete for the Braves’ last rotation spot. With Schwellenbach to start the year on the IL, Atlanta’s top internal options include Spencer Strider, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes. The fifth starter could be either Waldrep (if healthy), Bryce Elder, Joey Wentz, or even Martin Perez.
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Hurston Waldrep’s Promise as a Starter + Other Braves ST Notes
Last season, when the Braves dealt with such a devastating run of injuries in the starting rotation, Hurston Waldrep came up to help eat up some innings, and he impressed with his opportunities.
Over 56.1 innings with the big-league club, Waldrep posted a 2.88 ERA, struck out 55 hitters, and gave up just three home runs.
Walt Weiss seems to already have his hands full dealing with internal injury concerns.
Grant Holmes and Reynaldo Lopez have already expressed that they are healthy, and Spencer Strider should be good to go as well, but the issue is when/if those guys go down, who is there to fill in and eat up innings?
There will certainly be more developments in this Waldrep injury case, so keep updated with Heavy’s coverage of the Braves for the latest information!
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