Bold headline: The Braves’ rotation is again tested as Waldrep faces a potential surgery after discovering loose bodies in his arm.
But here’s where it gets controversial… could this trigger a bigger setback for Atlanta’s pitching plans just as the season looms? The Braves learned Sunday that Hurston Waldrep, a right-hander expected to compete for the No. 5 starter slot, may require an operation to remove “loose bodies” detected in his arm. Manager Walt Weiss shared that Waldrep felt discomfort after a batting practice session. An MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is awaiting further results from additional tests.
Weiss did not mince words about the uncertainty: “There’s some things in there that shouldn’t be there, I guess.” He added that loose bodies are not uncommon for pitchers, though he did not speculate on the exact nature of the procedure, noting they’re still determining the extent and treatment.
If surgery is on the table, Atlanta would be without a second starting pitcher in five days. This comes after right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach was placed on the 60-day injured list earlier in the week due to elbow inflammation. Schwellenbach’s 2025 season was cut short by a broken right elbow, and he was viewed as a potential top starter when fully healthy—before new elbow issues surfaced.
Waldrep, 23, had been seen as a strong candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation. In 2025, he appeared in 10 Major League games, starting nine, and finished 6-1 with a 2.88 ERA, fueling expectations that he could emerge as a key contributor this season. His early 2026 spring camp performance had been encouraging as well.
The Braves now face the realistic possibility of opening the season without Waldrep. Weiss emphasized that the issue “needs to be dealt with somehow, some way,” but the full scope remains unclear while Waldrep undergoes more testing. Still, Weiss noted Waldrep had shown a promising start to camp, highlighting a recent fastball recorded near 99 mph and several bullpens that preceded his arrival in camp without incident. He added that tracking these sudden changes can be challenging, but it’s all part of the process.
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has signaled a focus on adding pitching depth, particularly a durable starter who could contribute to a postseason rotation. Current rotation options include Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, Joey Wentz, Bryce Elder, and Martín Pérez, all of whom could be involved if Waldrep’s status remains uncertain.
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