The Atlanta Braves are heading into the 2026 MLB season dealing with a long list of injuries, continuing a troubling trend that has hurt the team over the past two years. After injuries disrupted their 2024 playoff run and contributed to them missing the postseason in 2025, Atlanta is once again starting the season with several key players sidelined.

Here’s a breakdown of the Braves players expected to begin 2026 on the injured list and their projected return timelines.

Catcher

Sean Murphy

Injury: Right hip labral tear (surgery)
Expected Return: May 2026

Murphy underwent hip surgery in September 2025. Early expectations suggested he might be ready for Opening Day, but his recovery timeline has pushed that return back.

The good news is that Murphy has resumed light baseball activities, and there have been no reported setbacks. If rehab continues smoothly, the Braves could get their starting catcher back sometime in early May.

Starting Pitchers

Hurston Waldrep

Injury: Right elbow inflammation / clean-up surgery
Expected Return: Early Summer 2026

Waldrep looked like a strong candidate to crack the Opening Day rotation after a promising 2025 season. However, elbow soreness revealed loose bodies in his elbow, requiring surgery.

Fortunately, the procedure did not involve structural damage, which is encouraging for his long-term outlook. Still, the Braves likely won’t see him again until June or later.

Spencer Schwellenbach

Injury: Right elbow inflammation / bone spur removal
Expected Return: Summer 2026 (uncertain)

This injury is one of the most concerning for Atlanta.

Schwellenbach had already missed time last season with a broken elbow, and just as he appeared ready for a comeback, inflammation caused by bone spurs forced him to undergo surgery again.

While a mid-season return is possible, the Braves may take a cautious approach. In a worst-case scenario, he could miss most or all of the 2026 season.

Joey Wentz

Injury: Torn ACL
Expected Return: 2027

Wentz suffered a devastating ACL tear during spring training in March. The injury immediately ruled him out for the entire 2026 season.

Atlanta had hoped Wentz could help provide rotation depth, but his absence leaves the pitching staff even thinner.

AJ Smith-Shawver

Injury: Tommy John surgery
Expected Return: Late 2026 or 2027

Smith-Shawver was emerging as one of the Braves’ most exciting young pitchers before tearing his elbow ligament in June 2025.

Because Tommy John surgery typically requires 12–18 months of recovery, the Braves may hold him out until 2027 rather than rush him back late this season.

Infield

Ha-Seong Kim

Injury: Torn tendon in right middle finger
Expected Return: Early May 2026

Kim’s injury came in an unusual way. After re-signing with Atlanta to stabilize the shortstop position, he slipped on ice at home in South Korea and tore a tendon in his finger.

While the accident could have been worse, the injury still required surgery. Current projections suggest he could return in early May.

Relief Pitchers

Joe Jiménez

Injury: Left knee cartilage issues / surgery
Expected Return: Uncertain (possibly late 2026)

Jiménez missed all of last season because of serious knee cartilage problems. Even after surgery, his future remains uncertain.

There is no firm timetable for his return, and it’s possible he may not pitch at all in 2026.

Danny Young

Injury: Tommy John surgery
Expected Return: Late 2026

Young underwent Tommy John surgery in May 2025 while with the New York Mets before signing a split contract with Atlanta.

If his rehab goes smoothly, the Braves could see him return to the bullpen late in the 2026 season.

Why 2026 Is a Crucial Season for the Braves

After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Braves need a rebound season. However, beginning the year with multiple pitchers and key starters unavailable makes that task more difficult.

The biggest concern is pitching depth. With several starters injured and others recovering from surgery, Atlanta could be forced to rely heavily on young arms and depth options early in the year.

If players like Murphy and Kim return quickly and the pitching staff stabilizes by mid-season, the Braves could still recover and compete.

But if injuries continue to pile up, the team’s postseason hopes could once again be in serious jeopardy.