The latest update on the Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider’s recovery is in. While it’s not an absolute guarantee, there’s some real optimism about when he could rejoin the Braves’ rotation.
A Potential Late-April Return
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Strider is making solid progress, and if all goes well, he could be back on the mound by the end of April. That’s just about a month into the season, which is pretty remarkable, considering he’s coming off a UCL injury.
The key to this timeline is his ability to start ramping up his innings before Spring Training wraps up. No hard numbers have been given yet, but the fact that this conversation is happening at all is a great sign for the Braves.
Strider recently took another big step forward, throwing two simulated innings during live batting practice on Friday. And he wasn’t facing just anyone—he went up against two of the best hitters in the lineup: Ozzie Albies and a recovering Ronald Acuña Jr.
That’s a real test, and by all accounts, he looked strong. But before anyone starts booking Spring Training tickets expecting to see him in-game action, hold on just a second.
Will Strider Pitch in Grapefruit League Games?
The Braves are being cautious here, and for good reason. Strider will need at least one more live BP session before he can be cleared for Grapefruit League action. And even then, it’s not a sure thing.
There are a limited number of innings before the regular season starts, and Atlanta has to balance getting Strider back up to speed with making sure the rest of their pitching staff is ready to go.
While the signs are promising, the Braves can’t guarantee when—or even if—he’ll see live action in Spring Training games. The team is taking a long-term approach, ensuring that when he does return, he’s fully ready to contribute at a high level.
What Can Braves Fans Expect?
But let’s say everything goes smoothly, and Strider returns around late April. What should Braves fans expect? Well, if FanGraphs projections are any indication, he will be a force.
They have him pegged for a 9-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, 158 strikeouts over 119 innings, a 1.10 WHIP, a 2.9 WAR, and a 3.05 FIP. Those are ace-level numbers, even in a slightly limited workload.
And let’s not forget what he did in his last full season. In 2023, he made 32 starts, posted a 3.86 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a 109 ERA+ over 186 2/3 innings. He also led the National League in strikeouts with a ridiculous 281. That performance earned him an All-Star selection and a fourth-place finish in the Cy Young race.
So, while there are still a few hurdles to clear, the outlook for Strider is promising. If he can get back on the mound by late April, the Braves rotation will get a major boost. And if he can return to form? Well, then, the rest of the National League better watch out.
