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Spencer Schwellenbach seen throwing ahead of Wednesday’s game

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 5:37 PM ET

All five members of the Braves Opening Day rotation are on the 60-day IL, and most of them are not expected to come back.

The only one nearing a return is Chris Sale. He made his second rehab start over the weekend and should rejoin the Braves at the end of next week, providing there are no setbacks. Other than that, Spencer Schwellenbach seems like the only other guy that could potentially return this season.

Schwellenbach suffered a fractured elbow during a June 28th start against the Philadelphia Phillies, an outing in which he allowed just one earned run with 12 strikeouts over seven innings. His injury really was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Once he went down, it felt like the life was sucked out of the Braves clubhouse, as the club spiraled out of playoff contention.

Spencer Schwellenbach is eligible return from the IL next week, and he was spotted throwing ahead of the Braves contest with the White Sox on Wednesday.

#Braves Spencer Schwellenbach was throwing today. Some flat ground work. Looked comfortable – maybe 40-50 throws. pic.twitter.com/mBreE7O184

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) August 20, 2025

With just over a month left in the season, it really doesn’t make much sense for the Braves to push the issue with Schwellenbach. There’s nothing left to play for this year, and even if he tried to return, it would take him several weeks to ramp up his activities.

It’s probably best if the Braves shut him down for the rest of the season, but it is a good sign that he’s already throwing. Spencer Schwellenbach is a massive piece of Atlanta’s future.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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