Here’s some news from the Atlanta Braves that might just make your day—Spencer Strider is officially set to pitch in Spring Training games.
Now, before we all start booking tickets for Opening Day and penciling him in as the staff’s ace, let’s pump the brakes just a little.
This is a big step, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be ready to roll once the regular season begins. Still, considering where things stood not too long ago, this is about as encouraging as it gets.
Positive Signs from North Port
Manager Brian Snitker has been singing Strider’s praises since camp opened, and his latest comments only reinforce the good vibes of North Port. “The ball’s coming out really good,” Snitker told MLB Network.
That might sound like coach talk, but those words carry weight for a guy coming off a significant UCL injury. Remember, Strider didn’t go the full Tommy John route.
He underwent an internal brace procedure, which is still a major deal but comes with a potentially quicker recovery timeline. The Braves are wisely playing the long game with their electric right-hander.
No Opening Day Return, But Progress Continues
While Strider is making strides, his return to the starting rotation isn’t imminent. The Braves have made it clear that he won’t be ready for Opening Day.
However, his participation in Spring Training games suggests he’s further along than some might have expected.
Right now, the plan is likely to ease him into competitive action in a controlled setting, giving him time to build up strength without the pressures of the regular season. It’s all about the long haul.
On the flip side, the Braves are taking an even more cautious approach with Ronald Acuña Jr. now. Unlike Strider, Acuña won’t see any Spring Training game action at all.
There’s no major reason for panic just yet, but anytime the NL MVP is sidelined, it raises eyebrows. The team is prioritizing his health over meaningless March at-bats, ensuring he’s fully ready when it matters most.
Potentially Dominant Return With The Braves
If Strider can return to the form that made him one of baseball’s most dominant strikeout artists, the Braves rotation will be in great shape.
In his last full season, he finished 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and an eye-popping 281 strikeouts over 186 2/3 innings. That performance earned him his first All-Star nod and a fourth-place finish in Cy Young voting.
FanGraphs projects Strider to post a 3.19 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 158 strikeouts in 119 innings for 2025. While those numbers suggest the Braves might manage his workload, they also indicate he’ll be a major weapon on the mound.
Bottom line? The Braves are playing it smart, but everything points to Strider making a significant impact this season. If he can even come close to his 2023 form, Atlanta’s rotation just got a whole lot scarier.
