Atlanta Braves star pitcher Spencer Strider left last Friday’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks after four innings while complaining about elbow discomfort in his throwing arm.
Braves manager Brian Snitker told reporters after the game that Strider would undergo an MRI. One day later, and the Braves announced that an MRI revealed damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
We now have more information on this courtesy of Snitker. It doesn’t seem to bode well for Strider’s ability to return this season.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Strider’s visit with Dr. Keith Meister in Texas this week did not eliminate the possibility that he’ll have to undergo a second career Tommy John Surgery. Snitker indicated that no update will be provided until this weekend. There is a real possibility that the Braves won’t make an announcement until surgery on Strider’s elbow is successful, per Bowman.
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What Tommy John surgery would mean for Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves
From a logistical perspective, it means that Strider will be sidelined well into the 2025 MLB season. Typically, these surgeries require at least a calendar year of rehab before a pitcher is able to return to the bump.
To be perfectly clear, this is the worst-case scenario.
Strider is as important to his team’s success as any starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. He was brilliant last season for the Braves.
- Spencer Strider stats (2023): 20-5, 3.86 ERA, 1.09 whip, 281 strikeouts
After an historic Spring Training performance, Strider struggled to open the regular season. That included yielding seven earned runs in two starts.
Atlanta will have to rely on Reynaldo Lopez, Charlie Morton, Chris Sale and Max Fried to hold down the fort with Strider sidelined. We also wouldn’t be surprised if the team hit the trade market ahead of the deadline this summer.