Atlanta Braves
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Atlanta Braves pitching rotation.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
Atlanta's rotation is a minefield of injury concerns. Strider, López, Schwellenbach, and Holmes all suffered major elbow/shoulder injuries in 2024-2025. Sale's age and injury history add to the uncertainty. The Braves face one of baseball's highest injury-risk rotations.
KEY PITCHERS
Chris Sale
LHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
Rib cage injury (2025). Age 37. Extensive career injury history. 7-5, 2.58 ERA in 20 starts (2025).
Durability Risk Profile
Sale showed brilliance in limited 2025 action but couldn't stay healthy. At 37 with a career filled with IL stints, he's an extreme injury risk despite elite stuff when healthy.
Search Keywords
Spencer Strider
RHP • #2 Starter
Injury History
First Tommy John surgery (2019). InternalBrace procedure (April 2024). UCL bone fragment injury. Targeting April 2025 return (~12 months). Velocity/performance questions.
Durability Risk Profile
Strider underwent an InternalBrace procedure after a bone fragment compromised his previously repaired UCL. This is effectively his second elbow surgery, creating major durability concerns.
Search Keywords
Reynaldo López
RHP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Shoulder surgery (after one 2025 start). Multiple IL stints throughout career. Expected return to rotation or bullpen. Durability doubts.
Durability Risk Profile
López underwent shoulder surgery after just one start in 2025, highlighting his chronic injury issues.
Search Keywords
Spencer Schwellenbach
RHP • #4 Starter
Injury History
Arthroscopic elbow surgery (bone spurs) February 2026. 60-Day IL. No timetable for return. Previously had elbow fracture in 2025.
Durability Risk Profile
Schwellenbach underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery in February 2026 to remove bone spurs, a major setback after his 2025 elbow fracture. He'll start the season on the 60-Day IL with no clear return date, creating significant uncertainty for Atlanta's rotation.
Search Keywords
PROTECT YOUR PITCHERS
Upload pitching video and get instant biomechanical injury risk analysis powered by AI.