ATLANTA -- Walt Weiss was happy to announce Spencer Strider has completed his Minor League rehab assignment. But when asked about Spencer Schwellenbach, the Braves manager remained non-committal, simply saying he still hopes the young starting pitcher is available at some point during the season’s second half.
Weiss provided updates regarding Strider, Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep before Tuesday’s series opener against the Tigers. Here’s some info about when each of these starters might be ready to join Atlanta’s rotation.
Spencer Strider: The right-hander made his third and final rehab start on Sunday, when he threw 82 pitches over five-plus innings for Triple-A Gwinnett. He says his body feels as good as it has since 2022. A late Spring Training oblique strain might have been a blessing in disguise. The fastball and slider he showed during his final couple rehab starts looked more like the versions he displayed while recording a Major League-high 483 strikeouts from 2022-23. He battled to regain this form while returning from 2024 elbow surgery last year.
So, when will Strider make his first start for Atlanta? The first possible day he’d be available would be for Friday’s series opener at Coors Field, but Grant Holmes would go more than a week between starts if he doesn’t start Friday. Chris Sale and Strider would both pitch with an extra day of rest on Saturday. Regardless of the order, both would be in line to start at Dodger Stadium the following weekend.
“We just need to pick our spot as to when we’re going to put him in there,” Weiss said. “But yeah, his next start will be with us.”
Spencer Schwellenbach: Thoughts of Schwellenbach establishing himself as a Cy Young Award candidate faded when he reported to Spring Training with elbow discomfort. He underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his right elbow in February and the Braves have never provided a timeline for his return.
Schwellenbach’s situation is complicated by the fact he missed the final three months of the 2025 season with a fractured elbow. He also underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021.
After Weiss revealed the 25-year-old hurler still hasn’t started throwing, he was asked if he’s concerned about the ailment being a long-term issue.
“Any time pitchers go under the knife, there’s concerns,” Weiss said. “This is a young athletic guy and there’s not a lot of mileage on that arm. He was a college shortstop and didn’t pitch much in college. I think that’s in his favor. I’m hoping we see him some time in the second half. He’s a long ways out."
Weiss said Schwellenbach feels like he could currently throw. But the recovery process calls for more rest.
Hurston Waldrep: The young hurler hit 99 mph during a live batting practice in Spring Training and underwent surgery a little more than a week later to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. This recovery requires less time than the removal of bone spurs.
Waldrep is slated to throw a bullpen early next week. If he stays on schedule, this could line him up to be available in mid-to-late June.