The Atlanta Braves’ flame-throwing ace Spencer Strider is making his grand return! After a tough UCL injury sidelined him early last season, Strider is officially hitting the comeback trail. The Gwinnett Stripers, Atlanta’s Triple-A affiliate, announced he’s starting his rehab assignment. First up on the docket is a road game against the Charlotte Knights today at 6:05 p.m.
Believe it or not, this will only be Strider’s second-ever Triple-A appearance. Yep, the guy who mowed down major league batters like it was his personal hobby has just one previous Stripers outing.
He struck out three in a perfect inning back in 2021, that’s it. A quick cameo, and then straight to the show. But when you’ve got a fastball that regularly tickles triple digits, it makes sense.
What’s the Timeline for Strider’s Return?
MLB.com’s Mark Bowman reported that Strider will likely need around three rehab starts before he’s back with the Braves. If all goes according to plan, that could mean a return in time for Atlanta’s home series against the Twins from April 18 to 20.
Of course, all eyes will be on how Strider’s elbow holds up. After suffering the UCL injury, he dodged the dreaded Tommy John surgery and instead opted for a brace procedure. That’s no small deal, but he’s been progressing like a champ.
Spring Training offered a glimpse of the old Strider we know and love — one outing against the Red Sox saw him retire all eight batters he faced, striking out six. Absolute dominance.
Though in true “spring is for working out the kinks” fashion, his follow-up against the Orioles was a little bumpier. Three runs, two earned, on just two hits and a walk. Those four strikeouts still showed that signature Strider style.
A Look Back at Strider’s Dominance
His last full season included 32 starts, a 3.86 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. Not to mention leading the entire National League with 281 strikeouts. That performance earned him an All-Star nod and a fourth-place finish in Cy Young voting.
FanGraphs is already bullish on his 2025 return, projecting a 9-5 record, 3.19 ERA, and 170 punchouts in 129 innings. Those are pretty spicy numbers for a guy who’s still shaking off the rust.
Braves Fans Have Plenty to Be Excited About
If Strider’s rehab goes as planned, you’re about to see one of the most electric arms in baseball back on the mound. His return can’t come soon enough considering the Braves rotation could use a little more firepower. Keep an eye on that radar gun — the Strider show is almost back in town!
