The Atlanta Braves’ pitching depth is facing an early spring test as right-hander Hurston Waldrep is slated to visit renowned specialist Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas. The visit comes after Waldrep experienced persistent soreness in his pitching elbow following a recent live batting practice session.
While any mention of “elbow soreness” for a young fireballer creates immediate anxiety, there is a silver lining: a preliminary MRI exam revealed no structural damage to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). However, the imaging did show “loose bodies” within the joint—essentially small fragments of bone or cartilage that can cause pain, catching, or inflammation.
Braves manager Walt Weiss addressed the situation with reporters, stating it is currently “hard to say” if the 23-year-old will miss significant time. The team is awaiting the expert consultation with Dr. Meister before establishing a formal timeline for his return.
The Road Ahead
The timing is particularly tough for Atlanta, as the rotation is already navigating the absence of Spencer Schwellenbach, who was recently placed on the 60-day IL. If Waldrep requires a procedure to remove the loose bodies—a common “cleanup” surgery—he could be sidelined for several weeks or months depending on the recovery speed.
In the interim, the Braves are expected to lean more heavily on veterans like Bryce Elder and Joey Wentz to fill the void in the fifth starter spot. Fans and fantasy managers alike will be monitoring the results of Waldrep’s visit to Dr. Meister, which should clarify whether his 2026 campaign is in serious jeopardy or merely delayed.
