Just when Atlanta Braves fans were starting to let out a cautious sigh of relief, Spencer Strider’s hamstring decided it had other plans.
After one single start back from a year-long recovery from internal brace surgery on his elbow, the Atlanta ace finds himself right back on the injured list—this time, with a strained hamstring.
And yes, it happened playing catch before Monday’s game. You can’t make this stuff up.
A Devastating Blow at the Worst Time
For Braves faithful, this one stings on multiple levels. Strider wasn’t just penciled into the rotation—he was circled, highlighted, and bolded as the guy who could elevate this squad from a talented team to a true contender.
His first start back? Five innings and two runs, but clearly laboring, with velocity concerns already starting to creep into the conversation. And now this.
Fans who waited months to see him throw meaningful innings again barely had time to refill their popcorn. And here we are—back to square one.
The Braves Rotation Conundrum
With Strider now shelved and a scheduled start against the Cardinals wiped off the calendar, the Braves are staring down a logistical headache. AJ Smith-Shawver is fresh off a Friday start, making him a long shot for a quick return on short rest. So, who fills the void?
The team opted to call up reliever Michael Petersen, who made a quick cameo earlier this month. That’s right—a reliever. Which all but signals the dreaded “bullpen game” scenario might be in play.
Add in Scott Blewett, a recent acquisition, and the Braves could be looking at an innings-by-committee plan that might cause more stress for fans than for opposing hitters.
Roster Math and Murky Options
Here’s the catch—literally and figuratively. The 40-man roster is full. That complicates any potential call-ups from Gwinnett. Chasen Shreve and Nathan Wiles each pitched mid-week and aren’t on the 40-man, which means adding one would require a corresponding move—and potentially saying goodbye to someone else.
You’re not alone if you’re wondering whether the Braves are cursed. Between Profar’s suspension, the Acuña-Snitker-Kelenic drama, Verdugo unexpectedly saving the outfield, and now Strider hitting the IL again, this season feels like it’s being scripted by someone who really likes chaos.
The Bigger Braves Picture
Sure, this injury doesn’t appear to be season-ending. Yet. But that’s not much comfort right now. Strider was supposed to be the cavalry, a 2023 All-Star, and once ranked as a top-10 pitcher in the game.
Instead, Braves fans are stuck watching the rotation spin its wheels and the front office scramble for short-term solutions.
