The Atlanta Braves are searching for any positive injury news when it comes to their starting rotation. The group was decimated by injuries in 2025, and unfortunately that trend has continued into the 2026 season.
Both young right‑handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep underwent right elbow surgeries during spring training, while former ace Spencer Strider has been sidelined with a left oblique strain.
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Fortunately for Strider, the injury is not related to his right arm, which has been a concern in recent years, but he still has yet to make his season debut. When speaking with reporters before a game against the Diamondbacks, manager Walt Weiss offered at least one encouraging update.
Weiss announced that Strider will throw a bullpen on Friday, after which the team will determine next steps. Strider will need at least one rehab start before returning to the rotation (h/t MLB.com’s Mark Bowman).
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While it is good news that Strider is throwing again, he is clearly not ready and will need time to ramp up even after he returns to the major league roster. As a result, the Braves announced a trade with the Los Angeles Angels on Friday, not only to potentially find a short-term option but also to bolster organizational pitching depth.
“The #Braves today acquired RHP Victor Mederos from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for international bonus pool money, and optioned him to Triple-A Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, the club transferred RHP AJ Smith‑Shawver to the 60-day injured list,” the team wrote on X.
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While Mederos is not joining the major league roster immediately, it remains possible he gets a look at some point. The 24‑year‑old has the ability to start, and in his five appearances with the Angels in 2025, three came as a starter.
He struggled last year, posting a 7.41 ERA in 17 innings, but the Braves have a strong track record of helping pitchers rebound. Regardless, adding another arm with MLB experience is a welcome move for a team stretched thin.
When Strider returns, he will also have something to prove. Coming off Tommy John surgery last year, the 27‑year‑old posted a career high 4.45 ERA across 23 starts. If he can regain his All-Star form, it would be a major boost for a Braves team determined to return to the MLB playoffs.
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And with the rotation battered early, even incremental progress from Strider represents a meaningful step toward stabilizing the staff.
Related: Braves’ Walt Weiss Shares Sean Murphy Injury Update Before Diamondbacks Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
