The Atlanta Braves are optimistic about the return of pitcher Spencer Strider, who showcased impressive skills during a recent minor-league rehab start. Strider struck out 13 batters in 5 ⅓ innings while allowing only one run, displaying his readiness to rejoin the Braves. Meanwhile, the team continues to struggle offensively, currently sitting last in the NL East with concerns about scoring, leading to a critical juncture in the season.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Strider’s Rehab Performance |
| 2) Manager’s Comments on Strider’s Return |
| 3) Team’s Current Struggles in the Standings |
| 4) Other Players on the Injured List |
| 5) Future Outlook for the Braves |
Strider’s Rehab Performance
In a significant step toward recovery, Spencer Strider delivered a standout performance during his latest minor-league rehab start with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers. On a Thursday afternoon, he showcased his potential by striking out 13 batters over the course of 5 ⅓ innings while yielding just one run. Strider’s performance against the Norfolk Tides, an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, helped secure a 6-1 win for the Stripers. Notably, Strider efficiently threw 90 pitches, indicating his ability to manage increased workloads.
This was one of three rehab outings for Strider, where he has compiled an impressive total of 27 strikeouts in just 13 ⅔ innings, demonstrating his striking ability and confidence on the mound. According to Statcast, Strider’s fastball averaged 95.3 mph and peaked at 97.3 mph during the game. Although this velocity is slightly lower than his usual averages of approximately 97.2 mph from the previous season, it is not seen as a concerning drop as Strider continues to build his arm strength during this recovery phase.
Strider underwent a UCL repair surgery last April using an innovative internal brace procedure, which is considered less invasive with generally shorter rehabilitation times compared to the traditional Tommy John surgery. This is Strider’s second UCL operation, having previously undergone Tommy John surgery while in college in 2019. As he continues to progress, many are keenly watching his return to the major league level.
Manager’s Comments on Strider’s Return
Braves manager Brian Snitker has expressed optimism about Strider’s path back to the team. In post-game comments shared with reporters, he emphasized the importance of evaluating how Strider feels after each start. The decision regarding Strider’s return to the Braves will be made after assessing his recovery over the next few days. Snitker hinted that Thursday’s outing might be Strider’s last rehab start, suggesting that he could potentially return to the roster as early as next week.
The earliest that Strider could be scheduled to pitch, given regular rotation days, would be on Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays. Snitker stated,
“He got back out for the sixth, got his pitches. It was exactly what we wanted to happen… I kind of feel like he’s right where we want him to be before he gets here.”
This statement underscores the team’s readiness and the anticipation surrounding Strider’s return.
Team’s Current Struggles in the Standings
As Strider prepares to rejoin the team, the Braves face considerable challenges in scoring, sitting last in the NL East with a record of 2-9. The team has struggled significantly on the offensive front, currently averaging only 3.09 runs per game—the second fewest in Major League Baseball. Their recent performance has raised concerns as they managed to score only ten runs in total during their two wins, highlighting issues that have persisted throughout the early phase of the season.
Furthermore, the Braves have been unable to score more than three runs in seven of their last eleven games, revealing a crucial area of weakness that could affect their overall success in the 2023 season. Despite these issues, analysts note that the season is still in its early stages, leaving room for the Braves to improve their standings in the competitive NL East, where every game counts.
Other Players on the Injured List
Strider is not the only key player the Braves are anxiously awaiting to return. Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, is also recovering from last year’s ACL surgery. Reports indicate that Acuña has been actively participating in hitting drills for several weeks now, with the next step in his rehabilitation involving base running and other related activities. While Acuña is making significant strides, experts believe he remains weeks away from returning to the lineup, adding another layer of complexity to Atlanta’s current situation.
With these injuries, the Braves have had to rely on pitchers such as Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and AJ Smith-Shawver to fill the rotation behind starters Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach. Current pitching dynamics may shift once Strider returns, particularly for Elder, who could find himself losing his spot in the rotation due to Strider’s significant talent and experience.
Future Outlook for the Braves
The return of players like Strider and Acuña is crucial for the Braves to turn around their difficult start to the season. As the team navigates early-season challenges, the nature of Major League Baseball makes every game an opportunity to recalibrate. With competitive spirit and the knowledge that this early stretch is merely a portion of the longer journey, the Braves remain focused on improving their performance.
While the current record paints a concerning picture, the potential reintroduction of these star players is a beacon of hope for fans and the franchise alike. Should Strider return to form and help bolster the pitching rotation, combined with Acuña’s offensive prowess, the Braves could swiftly revive their season and make a substantive push within the NL East, an objective heightened by the still wide-open nature of the division.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Spencer Strider struck out 13 batters during his latest minor-league rehab start. |
| 2 | The Braves are currently 2-9 and struggling with offensive production. |
| 3 | Manager Brian Snitker indicates Strider could soon return to the team. |
| 4 | The team is also awaiting the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. |
| 5 | Despite struggles, the Braves maintain hope for improvement in the season. |
Summary
As the Atlanta Braves navigate the early challenges of their 2023 season, the impending return of Spencer Strider brings much-needed optimism. His impressive rehab performance after surgery demonstrates his potential impact on the team’s rotation. Coupled with the awaiting return of Ronald Acuña Jr., there’s hope that the Braves can rebound from their current standing. With a dedication to overcoming their offensive hurdles, both management and fans look ahead to what could be promising developments for their season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How did Spencer Strider perform in his rehab start?
Strider struck out 13 batters and allowed one run in 5 ⅓ innings during his recent minor-league rehab start.
Question: What are the Braves’ current standings in the NL East?
As of now, the Braves are in last place in the NL East with a record of 2-9.
Question: When might Spencer Strider return to the major league roster?
Manager Brian Snitker indicated that Strider could potentially pitch for the Braves as early as next Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
