The Atlanta Braves have provided an update on starting pitcher Spencer Strider, but the situation remains unclear. Strider underwent an MRI that revealed damage to his UCL (ulnar collateral ligament), prompting a visit to Dr. Kevin Meister, a renowned sports medicine surgeon in Arlington, TX, known for performing Tommy John surgery. Several Braves players, including Huascar Ynoa and Tyler Matzek, have successfully returned from UCL repairs by Dr. Meister, with Blake Burkhalter and Ian Anderson expected to return this season.
If Strider requires Tommy John surgery, it will be his second procedure, following one in 2019 while he was at Clemson University. The Braves drafted Strider in the 4th round of the 2020 MLB Draft, and he made his debut in the final week of the 2021 season.
Strider was a standout pitcher in MLB last season, leading the league with 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings, and finishing with a .800 winning percentage and 20 wins, placing 4th in the National League Cy Young voting. He entered the 2024 season as the betting favorite for the Cy Young due to his dominant performance last season and improvements, including adding a curveball to his repertoire. Despite primarily relying on his fastball and slider, Strider excelled, with his fastball and slider ranking among the top three pitches for strikeouts in MLB last season.
However, after a strong start to the 2024 season, Strider’s second start ended poorly, with him allowing five runs on seven hits in four innings. He complained of elbow discomfort after the game, leading to an examination and MRI that revealed the UCL tear.
With Strider likely out for the season, the Braves will adjust their rotation. Max Fried will assume the #1 role, followed by Chris Sale and Charlie Morton. Reynaldo López, a free agent signee, will take the #4 spot, and Bryce Elder, currently in AAA Gwinnett, is expected to be promoted to the rotation as the new #5 pitcher.
