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Braves star fractures elbow as nightmare season continues

The Braves lost another starting pitcher to injury. 

Spencer Schwellenbach felt some discomfort in his right elbow after he pitched against the Phillies on Saturday, and it was discovered by the Braves that he suffered a fractured elbow.

Atlanta will shut down the righty for four weeks, adding him to the 15-day injured list on Wednesday.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach in uniform.
Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) reacts to pitching a complete game on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. AP

Though a return date is unknown, the club hopes to have him back in the majors by September, according to MLB.com.

Losing Schwellenbach is a significant loss for a struggling Braves team this season, as he was one of their bright spots with a 7-4 record, 3.09 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. 

In his place, Atlanta called up left-hander Austin Cox.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) pitching.
Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The already struggling Braves (38-46) have lost three starting pitchers to the IL, Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (rib), Reynaldo Lopez (shoulder) and AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery), who will miss the rest of the year.

Wednesday was a busy day of roster moves for the Braves as outfielder Jurickson Profar was reinstated from the restricted list after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs and getting suspended for 80 games.

Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves tips his helmet.
Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar. AP

With Profar returning, Alex Verdugo was designated for assignment. 

The Braves sit seven games out of a wild-card spot and 11.5 games back from the top of the NL East. 

Now, with the Braves losing one of their best starters, the climb back up has just gotten even more challenging.