Braves' Schwellenbach, Waldrep Face Elbow Surgeries

In North Port, Florida, the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation suffered a significant setback during the early days of spring training as two young right-handers, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, were confirmed to undergo surgery for loose bodies in their right elbows. Schwellenbach had the procedure Monday, while Waldrep is scheduled for a similar operation the following day.

Manager Walt Weiss announced the developments Sunday after Waldrep reported discomfort in his throwing arm following a batting practice session earlier in the week. An MRI revealed the loose bodies but no structural damage to Waldrep's ulnar collateral ligament. "There's some things in there that shouldn't be there, I guess," Weiss said. "I think it's fairly common with pitchers. I don't want to elaborate on the loose bodies because I'm not totally sure, but probably needs to be dealt with."

Schwellenbach, 25, was placed on the 60-day injured list last Tuesday due to right elbow inflammation, retroactive to three days prior, ensuring he misses at least the first 57 days of the season. The 2021 second-round draft pick had already missed time last summer with an elbow fracture but entered camp as a...