Atlanta Braves

Spencer Schwellenbach

SP

Schwellenbach spent the entire 2026 campaign on the injured list, first undergoing surgery in February to have bone spurs removed from his right elbow before having another procedure in August to repair a fracture in the same elbow that dated back to last year. The 26-year-old's availability for the start of the 2027 campaign is in question as he works his way back from the latter surgery, and he could also have some workload limitations while coming off a lost season.

Spencer Strider

SP

The right-hander struggled in 2025 in his return from internal brace surgery with a 4.45 ERA in 23 regular-season starts, and he made just eight appearances this year due to oblique and elbow issues while stumbling to a 5.31 ERA. Strider landed on the IL in mid-June due to elbow inflammation and missed the rest of the season, but he resumed throwing in August and should enter spring training in decent shape health-wise. However, his injuries and limited availability the past three years have resulted in Atlanta tempering its expectations for him in 2027.

Martin Perez

SP

Perez isn't eligible to return from his lower-back inflammation until Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday, but he will not be activated at any point during the series. It's possible the lefty is an option for the NLCS, should Atlanta advance, though it's unclear whether Perez has done any throwing since the injury.

Bryce Elder

SP

Elder underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery less than a month ago. He progressed to live batting practice Monday and could be in play if Atlanta advances to the NLCS, but the club doesn't feel he's ready to contribute just yet. Elder posted a 4.11 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 121:49 K:BB over 149 innings covering 26 starts for Atlanta this season.

Hurston Waldrep

SP

Waldrep will join the big-league 60-day IL to free up space on the 40-man roster for Elieser Hernandez, who was selected to the 28-man roster Thursday. Waldrep is slated to miss the entire 2027 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.