The Atlanta Braves have suffered another blow to their pitching rotation, as Spencer Strider returns to the injured list—just days after his long-awaited comeback from elbow surgery.
A routine throwing session at Truist Park on Monday took a sudden turn when the 25-year-old right-hander experienced a strain in his right hamstring, sidelining him for at least 15 days and canceling his expected Tuesday start against the St. Louis Cardinals.
“It was just one of those freak things,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, as quoted by MLB.com. “You can do everything right and still have something happen—which he did. It’s just a freak thing.”
Snitker recalled the moment with visible disappointment, having crossed paths with a visibly frustrated Strider in the clubhouse shortly after the workout ended prematurely. There were no missteps or explosive movements; the injury emerged in the middle of what was meant to be a low-effort session. “He was just getting a feel for his arm the day before he pitches,” Snitker said. “It wasn’t anything accelerated or strenuous.“
Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on after challenging the call on the field that Austin Riley #27 is out at first base in the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Truist Park on April 21, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
A setback for Braves
Strider’s latest setback complicates the Braves’ pitching plans, which had just begun to stabilize following his initial return from ulnar collateral ligament surgery. In his first outing back—a five-inning performance against the Toronto Blue Jays—he gave up two earned runs but showed encouraging signs of regaining form.
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That optimism, however, was abruptly halted. The Braves’ medical team is still assessing the severity of the hamstring strain, but caution is expected, given Strider’s lengthy rehab and pivotal role in the team’s long-term plans.
What’s next for the Braves?
With Strider’s timeline now uncertain, the Braves will need to further adapt their rotation, relying on depth and bullpen management to maintain competitiveness in the National League East. What was shaping up as a dominant top of the rotation now faces renewed questions and growing urgency.
