Atlanta’s Ace Back on the Mound Like He’s Never Left
Today, against the Toronto Blue Jays, Spencer Strider made his comeback debut after missing 376 days due to an elbow injury. Anticipation grew as Strider's rehabilitation came to an end and his return approached. Short spring appearances attracted attention, and flashy strikeout totals in Minor League games generated discussion. The right-hander plowed through the Blue Jays' lineup, giving up two runs in more than five innings during their 3-1 loss.
Manager Brian Snitker remarked, "He's made great progress to get to the point where he's on the Major League mound again." Strider declared his arrival loudly with his first pitch. The righty's season began with a fastball on the inner corner of the plate that sped past Bo Bichette's outstretched barrel at 96.7 mph. Strider recorded his first strikeout of the season with a powerful slider, two pitches later. In the fifth inning, Strider recorded his 500th career strikeout when the righty sent Addison Barger walking back to the bench with that same slider. Strider became the fastest pitcher to reach the 500-K milestone, having done it in just 334 innings pitched.
The only mistake Strider made from his come-back debut was against Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the recently extended first baseman who doubled Toronto's advantage with a solo shot in the sixth and an RBI single in the third. Strider was unhappy with his performance, even though his only defeats came against Toronto's $500 million guy. Strider believed he didn't use two strikes effectively enough, even with five strikeouts and numerous whiffs. Above all, he didn't depart in anticipation of victory. Strider said, "It's not my job to come back and have a moment and all that." "I don't see it that way. I'm here to support the group.”
Building on the 90 pitches he threw in his final rehab appearance, Strider finished his day with five or more innings and 97 pitches. Before he had three rehab appearances with Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves were cautious with his comeback, allowing him only two brief appearances in Spring Training. In his most recent rehab appearance, the 2023 all-star demonstrated that he was prepared for the real thing by striking out 13 batters in just 5 1/3 innings. He confirmed it during today's game for sure.
Strider is one of the most powerful pitchers in the game when healthy. He has won 32 of his 43 career decisions and has a lifetime FIP of 2.55. Drake Baldwin's ninth-inning home run, his first in Major League Baseball, was the Braves' only offensive surge, as the starter lost his 2025 debut. Strider didn't receive enough support to win, but those will come. According to Snitker, "he'll get stronger as he goes." "As long as he is feeling well." I mean, he is the most dedicated and motivated person in the world.
