The Atlanta Braves have placed right-hander Spencer Schwellenbach on the injured list due to a fractured right elbow. As a corresponding move, the Braves recalled lefty Austin Cox from Triple-A Gwinnett. Additionally, veteran outfielder Alex Verdugo was designated for assignment to facilitate the return of fellow outfielder Jurickson Profar from his 80-game suspension for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Also activated was reliever Daysbel Hernandez from the injured list, while Kevin Herget was sent down to the minors.
Schwellenbach, aged 25, has become yet another casualty for a Braves team struggling throughout the season. He reported feeling sore following a seven-inning outing against the Philadelphia Phillies, in which he yielded just one run. An absence of four weeks is anticipated, with hopes for his return by September. The Braves will need to make adjustments for Schwellenbach’s rotation spot this coming Friday.
In his 17 starts this season, Schwellenbach holds a 3.09 ERA (133 ERA+) and a 6.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His contributions have been valued at approximately 1.7 Wins Above Replacement according to Baseball Reference.
The team’s current state is compounded by further injuries to reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, along with right-handers Reynaldo López and AJ Smith-Shawver. They have also coped without Spencer Strider and star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., both of whom are currently active.
Despite some talent, the Braves’ performance has not met expectations, entering Wednesday with a disappointing 38-46 record, lagging 7.5 games behind in the contest for the last NL Wild Card position.
