Braves Place Spencer Schwellenbach on IL with Fractured Elbow

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a fractured right elbow, joining a growing list of Braves starters sidelined by long-term injuries this season. Schwellenbach, 25, was enjoying a breakout year with a 3.09 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 110.2 innings before feeling soreness after his most recent start, which led to the discovery of a small fracture; he will not throw for at least four weeks, with a possible September return. The Braves' rotation has been devastated by injuries, including the losses of Chris Sale (fractured ribcage), Reynaldo López (shoulder surgery), and AJ Smith-Shawver (Tommy John surgery), leaving their playoff hopes in jeopardy as they sit fourth in the NL East. Amid these injuries, Atlanta made multiple roster moves, such as activating outfielder Jurickson Profar after his 80-game PED suspension and designating Alex Verdugo for assignment. The Braves now face uncertainty in their starting rotation, with rookie and depth options being pressed into service. Schwellenbach's injury is a significant blow to a team already struggling to overcome a string of setbacks in a disappointing season.