In 2023, Spencer Strider was nearly unhittable, posting a 36.8% strikeout rate and a 2.85 FIP in 186.2 innings. Expectations were sky-high entering the 2024 season, but unfortunately, he only pitched nine innings due to UCL surgery.
For 2025, the hype wasn’t as robust, but his return was greatly anticipated. Strider finally made his season debut last Wednesday in Toronto and went five innings, striking out five, walking one, and allowing two earned runs on five hits (one of those a home run). The fastball only averaged 93.8 mph after being in the 97-mph range since he entered the league, but it was his first time pitching in a game environment since surgery.
It was always going to take time to get right.
Well, the can must be kicked down the road once again as the Braves placed Strider on the 15-day injured list on Monday, backdated to April 18.
At least it wasn’t an injury to the arm, as he strained his hamstring while playing catch on Monday, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
Michael Petersen has been called up, but there’s been no announcement as to who will start on Tuesday.
The earliest Strider can return is May 2. That date marks the start of a seven-game homestand, with the Los Angeles Dodgers up first for a three-game set.
