Atlanta Braves’ sidelined star pitcher Spencer Strider details the issues plaguing his elbow.
Atlanta Braves star pitcher Spencer Strider recently underwent internal brace surgery and divulged the factors contributing to his elbow’s decline last Friday.
Opting for the internal brace procedure instead of the more extensive Tommy John surgery means Strider is expected to return early in 2025 and should be able to participate in much of the upcoming season.
Nonetheless, his absence this year deals a significant blow to the Braves. As one of the premier pitchers in baseball, Strider was anticipated to play a pivotal role in Atlanta’s quest for a potential World Series title.
Strider, who topped the league in strikeouts last season and boasts a career record of 32-10 with a 3.47 ERA, struggled with a 7.00 ERA in two starts this season, likely due to his burgeoning elbow issue. His stellar performance last season earned him an All-Star nod and a fourth-place finish in the National League Cy Young voting as the Braves clinched the National League East.
In his absence, the team will rely on pitchers like Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Charlie Morton, and Max Fried. They also have a cadre of young starters to potentially fill the fifth spot, and may welcome back Ian Anderson from his own injury around the All-Star break.
