After having won just two of their first 11 games the Atlanta Braves are in serious need of some positive news. They might be finally getting some with the imminent return of ace starting pitcher Spencer Strider.
Strider appeared in just two games for the Braves in 2024 before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, and is nearing a return after making his third rehab start in Triple-A on Thursday.
It was a dominant start. Strider struck 13 batters in 5.1 innings Gwinnett, while also touching 97 mph with his fastball.
He has allowed just two runs in 13 innings during his rehab assignment.
While Strider will not do anything to solve the Braves’ hitting woes this season, his presence back in the rotation is still going to be a huge lift for the team as it tries to overcome the long odds they are facing when it comes to digging out of this early season hole.
Prior to his injury the 26-year-old Strider had emerged as one of the best pitchers in the National League, finishing with an ERA+ of 154 and 113 in his first two full seasons (a 100 ERA+ is considered a league average starting pitcher).
He finished fourth in the NL Cy Young voting during the 2023 season.
Along with Strider’s absence, the Braves have also been missing Ronald Acuna Jr. as he tries to return from another major knee injury. Starting catcher Sean Murphy has also been limited to just two games this season, while free-agent addition Jurickson Profar is serving an 80-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy.
All of those absences have added up. The return of Strider will be a big first step toward getting the Braves back to the team they hoped to be this season. He could be back in their rotation as early as next week.
