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Spencer Schwellenbach Shines as Braves Drop Third Straight

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gabriel King | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 10:16 PM ET

While the Major League Baseball season is a 162-game marathon, clubs place an increased importance on their first series of the season. It’s never ideal to start 0-3, especially against the team that ended your season the year before.

That is the situation the Atlanta Braves currently find themselves in, as they dropped their third straight game to open the 2025 season Saturday. The Braves fell 1-0 to the San Diego Padres and are now on the verge of being swept by the team that eliminated them from the 2024 postseason. Amidst Altanta’s disastrous start, one player has shined, filling a hole in the Braves’ rotation.

Starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach threw six scoreless innings and extended his quality start streak to five games, dating back to 2024. Schwellenbach allowed just one hit and one walk and struck out four batters. He earned a no decision as four Padres pitchers combined to shutout the Braves, leading to Atlanta’s third straight loss.

Despite Atlanta’s early struggles as a team, Schwellenbach’s strong outing is a major positive for the Braves. With ace Spencer Strider rehabbing from elbow surgery, the bottom of the Braves rotation was a question mark entering 2025 and Schwellenbach may have just provided Atlanta with a much-needed answer.

After ending 2024 on a strong note, the Braves were hopeful that the 24-year-old Schwellenbach could solidify himself as a high-level starter in 2025. While it’s only been one game, it certainly appears that he will be a staple in Atlanta’s rotation.

Braves fans and the national media took note of Schwellenbach’s strong performance despite Atlanta’s loss. “Spencer Schwellenbach put on a masterclass tonight,” one Braves fan posted on X. Schwellenbach’s line certainly supports that assertion, as just three Padres reached base against Schwellenbach Saturday.

Spencer Schwellenbach shoved in San Diego pic.twitter.com/8e0H9xz2Nf
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 30, 2025

Atlanta’s starting pitching has been the least of their problems this weekend in San Diego. While Schwellenbach threw the first real gem for Atlanta, both Chris Sale and Reynaldo López delivered solid starts in the Braves’ first two games. The bullpen and offense have both struggled at times in the young season, which has led to Atlanta’s 0-3 start.

While the Braves have not had an ideal start to 2025, Schwellenbach provided a much-needed boost on Saturday. Behind strong starting pitching, the Braves will likely recover from their 0-3 start once the offense and bullpen reach their respective potential.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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