Braves Pitching Update: Strider Ready, Schwellenbach Still Not Throwing

By Mark Bowman, Braves.com

ATLANTA — Help is on the way for the Atlanta Braves — at least in part.

Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed Tuesday that right-hander Spencer Strider has completed his Minor League rehab assignment and is nearing a return to Atlanta’s rotation. But when it comes to fellow starter Spencer Schwellenbach, the outlook remains far less certain.

Weiss provided updates on Strider, Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep prior to Tuesday’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers, outlining a mixed picture of progress and patience for the Braves’ pitching staff.

Strider nearing return

Strider appears closest to rejoining the rotation after making his third and final rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Gwinnett. The right-hander threw 82 pitches over five-plus innings and reported feeling as strong as he has since 2022.

After battling to regain form following elbow surgery in 2024, Strider’s fastball and slider have shown flashes of the dominance that helped him lead the Majors with 483 strikeouts from 2022-23.

Now, the Braves are deciding when to slot him back into the rotation.

“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.”

Strider could return as early as this weekend’s series opener in Colorado, though the Braves may adjust their rotation to avoid extended rest for other starters. Regardless of the exact timing, he is expected to be back on a big league mound in the coming days.

Schwellenbach still a long way off

While Strider is on the verge of returning, Schwellenbach’s timeline remains unclear.

The 25-year-old has yet to begin throwing after undergoing surgery in February to remove bone spurs from his right elbow. The procedure came after he experienced discomfort during Spring Training, derailing what had been a promising trajectory.

Schwellenbach’s injury history adds further concern. He missed the final three months of the 2025 season with a fractured elbow and previously underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021.

“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… I’m hoping we see him some time in the second half. He’s a long ways out.”

Though Schwellenbach reportedly feels capable of throwing, the organization is prioritizing caution, opting to extend his recovery timeline.

Waldrep progressing

Waldrep, meanwhile, appears to be on a more defined path back.

The young right-hander, who touched 99 mph during live batting practice in Spring Training, underwent surgery shortly thereafter to remove loose bodies from his right elbow — a procedure that typically requires less recovery time than bone spur removal.

Waldrep is scheduled to throw a bullpen session early next week. If his progression continues without setbacks, he could be available to the Braves sometime in mid-to-late June.

Rotation outlook

For now, the Braves appear poised to regain one key piece in Strider while continuing to monitor the progress of two others.

With the season moving forward, Atlanta’s pitching depth could be bolstered in stages — beginning with Strider’s imminent return and, potentially, Waldrep’s arrival later this summer. Schwellenbach, however, remains a longer-term question as the Braves await further progress in his recovery.