Update: The Atlanta Braves already had questions about their starting rotation. A poor start combined with a brutal injury scare has only intensified those worries. Now the team may have to confront a much bigger pitching crisis.

Atlanta Braves Rotation Concerns Grow After Bryce Elder Struggles and Joey Wentz Injury Scare

The Atlanta Braves entered spring training hoping to solidify the back end of their starting rotation before the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Instead, recent developments have only increased the uncertainty surrounding the team’s pitching depth.

A rough outing from Bryce Elder combined with an injury scare involving Joey Wentz has left Atlanta facing a familiar and uncomfortable reality: their margin for error on the pitching staff remains extremely thin.

Bryce Elder’s Rough Spring Outing Raises More Questions

Elder’s place in the Braves’ rotation has long been a subject of debate among fans and analysts. While he has shown flashes of effectiveness in the past, consistency has been a major issue.

During his latest spring training start, those concerns resurfaced in dramatic fashion.

The right-hander struggled badly, lasting just 3.1 innings while allowing:

5 runs
6 hits
3 walks
2 strikeouts

The outing quickly spiraled out of control as opposing hitters consistently found ways to reach base and apply pressure. Command issues and hard contact plagued Elder throughout the appearance, reinforcing doubts about whether he can reliably hold down a rotation spot on a team with postseason aspirations.

For many Braves fans who had hoped the team might move in a different direction, the start seemed to strengthen their argument.

However, the situation inside the organization is far more complicated.

Elder’s Lack of Minor League Options Complicates Things

One of the biggest reasons Bryce Elder still has a legitimate chance to remain in the rotation is his roster status.

Because Elder is out of minor league options, the Braves cannot simply send him to Triple-A without first exposing him to waivers. That creates a risk that another team could claim him.

As a result, the Braves have additional incentive to give him every opportunity to prove he belongs on the roster.

In a perfect world, Atlanta might prefer to have younger pitchers develop while Elder works through his issues elsewhere. But the realities of roster management often force teams to make less-than-ideal decisions.

And then the situation became even more complicated.

Joey Wentz Injury Scare Changes the Equation

During the same spring training game, rotation competitor Joey Wentz suffered a frightening moment that could have major implications for Atlanta’s pitching plans.

Wentz went down with a knee injury and had to be carted off the field, immediately raising concerns among coaches, teammates, and fans.

Any time a player leaves the field on a cart, the initial fear is usually the worst-case scenario.

Fortunately, there were some encouraging signs afterward.

Wentz was reportedly able to walk into the clubhouse under his own power, suggesting the injury may not be as severe as it initially appeared.

Early reports indicate that while he experienced significant pain at first, there may not be serious structural damage to the knee. Still, the Braves will likely wait for imaging tests and further evaluations before making a final determination.

Those results could take a day or two to become clear.

A Rotation With Very Little Depth

The scare involving Wentz highlighted just how fragile the Braves’ pitching situation currently is.

If Wentz had suffered a major injury, the Braves would suddenly find themselves even thinner in the rotation competition. That reality makes decisions about pitchers like Elder much more difficult.

Several other potential starters are already dealing with health issues.

Young pitchers such as Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep have also battled injuries, limiting Atlanta’s options as they try to finalize the pitching staff.

Without those arms fully available, the Braves cannot simply remove pitchers from consideration without having viable replacements ready.

That’s why some within the organization may feel they have no choice but to take their chances with Elder, at least for now.

Possible Alternatives Still Exist

Despite the challenges, Elder’s place in the rotation is not completely guaranteed.

One pitcher who has impressed during spring training is JR Ritchie. The young right-hander has shown promising stuff and composure on the mound, making him an intriguing option if Atlanta decides to go with upside over experience.

At the same time, the Braves have received some positive health updates elsewhere on the staff.

Both Grant Holmes and Reynaldo López entered spring dealing with physical concerns, but early signs suggest they are healthy and performing well during camp.

If those pitchers remain available and Wentz avoids serious injury, Atlanta may still have enough depth to create legitimate competition for the final rotation spots.

Why the Braves Cannot Afford More Problems

The bigger concern for the Atlanta Braves is the overall trajectory of their pitching staff.

The team hopes to return to championship contention after a disappointing 2025 season. However, continued uncertainty in the rotation could derail those ambitions before the season even begins.

Championship-caliber teams typically rely on both star power and depth on the mound. Right now, Atlanta’s depth is being tested earlier than expected.

If the Braves suffer any additional injuries during spring training, the organization may be forced into difficult decisions about inexperienced pitchers or struggling veterans.

A Critical Few Weeks Ahead

As spring training continues, Atlanta will closely monitor the health of its pitching staff while evaluating performances from competing starters.

The next few weeks could determine whether pitchers like Bryce Elder remain in the rotation or whether younger arms seize the opportunity.

For now, the Braves are in a delicate balancing act—trying to manage injuries, roster rules, and performance concerns all at once.

If everything breaks their way, Atlanta could still assemble a competitive pitching staff for the upcoming Major League Baseball season.

But if more setbacks occur, the Braves may find themselves navigating a difficult situation that begins to resemble the challenges they faced during 2025.

And for a team with championship expectations, that is a scenario they are desperate to avoid. ⚾