Braves All But Rule Out 2 Key Players For Rest Of Season

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 01: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves looks on against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 01, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

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The Atlanta Braves headed into the All-Star break clinging onto their lead in the National League East division, though they will probably need to finish strong if they are going to hold onto it.

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With the postseason picture coming into focus, attention has shifted toward the health of the club's core players and whether any injured stars will return with a chance to contribute.

And that uncertainty only deepened last week after comments from within the organization suggested that two of Atlanta's most important starters could be ruled out for the year. While the Braves have not officially shut the door on either player, the latest update paints a discouraging picture.

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"I told (manager Walt) Weiss it feels like (Spencer) Strider is done for the season and that (Spencer) Schwellenbach is just a maybe to pitch this year. I followed with, 'does this seem accurate?'” MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported on X, formerly Twitter. “He said, 'I wouldn't say it's inaccurate. I think there is a chance we see both of them this year. But sitting here today, it's hard to say.'"

While Weiss stopped short of declaring either pitcher finished for 2026, his response strongly suggested Atlanta is preparing for the possibility of ending the season without either member of the projected front-of-the-rotation duo returning. Strider is in the fourth year of a six-year, $75 million deal while Schwellenbach is earning $800,000 this season before arbitration eligibility.

That would be another devastating blow for a Braves club that has battled injuries throughout the year as it loses a significant lead in the division.

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Strider was once seen as the Braves’ long-term ace, but consistent health setbacks have raised questions about his future.

"Strider was lost to what was termed right elbow inflammation after he exited his June 12 start against the Mets,” Bowman added in a follow-up report. “He is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister again within the next week. But a potential return this year has seemed unlikely."

And the latest update on Schwellenbach, who emerged as a key contributor in 17 starts last year, was similarly pessimistic.

"Schwellenbach underwent surgery in February to remove loose bodies from a bone spur that developed in the same right elbow he fractured last year,” Bowman added. “His return this year has seemed questionable at best."

With the Braves already facing an uphill climb in the standings, there may be little incentive to rush either pitcher back before they are fully healthy. Weiss acknowledged there is still a chance both return before the season concludes, but as Atlanta looks ahead to 2027, preserving the long-term health of Strider and Schwellenbach could ultimately become the organization’s highest priority.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com

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