Spencer Strider To Make Spring Debut On Monday
Spencer Strider (elbow) will make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday and start against the Boston Red Sox. It's a positive step in the right direction for Strider, who made only two starts in 2024 before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery. The 26-year-old hurler will open the 2025 regular season on the injured list as he puts the finishing touches on his rehab, but barring a setback on his rehab assignment, he could make his season debut for Atlanta by the end of April. Strider was a first-time All-Star in 2023 and was one of the best pitchers in baseball, going 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, a league-best 281 strikeouts and 58 walks in 186 2/3 innings over 32 starts. He also had over 200 strikeouts in 2022, but he's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 38 starting pitcher this year because he could the entire first month and may not be as sharp upon his initial return.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports that Atlanta Braves right-hander Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Spencer Strider To Throw Bullpen On Saturday
Spencer Strider (hamstring) will throw another bullpen session on Saturday, and manager Brian Snitker said the team will then decide if Strider will need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment. Strider received a platelet-rich plasma injection after suffering a right-hamstring strain on April 21, and it helped him speed up the process of feeling back to full strength. The 26-year-old threw his first bullpen on Wednesday. If he comes out of Saturday's session feeling good, it's possible he'll skip a rehab assignment and rejoin Atlanta's starting rotation next week. A 20-game winner in 2023, Strider made just two starts in 2024 before undergoing an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow that caused him to get a late start this season for Atlanta. When he's back in action in the big leagues, he'll be an immediate must-start in fantasy.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano
Atlanta Braves right-hander Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano
Spencer Strider Throws Bullpen On Wednesday
Spencer Strider (hamstring) threw a bullpen session before Wednesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. This was Strider's first bullpen session since a strained right hamstring landed him on the 15-day injured list late last month after making his first start of the 2025 season. The 26-year-old didn't make his season debut until April 16 against the Toronto Blue Jays after finishing up his rehab for an internal-brace procedure he had on his right elbow last April. Hopefully, he'll be ready to return to Atlanta's starting rotation after one or two minor-league rehab starts. Barring a setback, there's no reason why Strider should be back by at least late May. If he can return to his pre-injury form, Strider has the potential to be a fantasy ace after striking out a league-high 281 hitters in 2023.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Atlanta Braves right-hander Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Spencer Strider Moves To Long Toss, Still No Timetable For A Return
Spencer Strider (hamstring) progressed to throwing long toss over the weekend, which is another key step towards his return from the 15-day injured list. However, The Athletic's David O'Brien reports there's still no timetable for his return. Strider, who got a late start to the 2025 campaign after having an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last April, made it through one start before going back on the IL with a right-hamstring strain. It's been that kind of a season so far for the Braves. Since the 26-year-old has yet to throw off a mound, fantasy managers should probably expect his return to be a couple of weeks off. Strider will almost certainly need a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to Atlanta's starting rotation. Keep the former All-Star stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy leagues.
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
Atlanta Braves right-hander Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
Spencer Strider Not Cleared To Throw Off A Mound
Spencer Strider (hamstring) has been playing catch but hasn't been cleared to throw off a mound, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. It has been two weeks since Strider threw off the mound, and fantasy managers need to expect the Braves to continue to be cautious with him. The 26-year-old got a late start to the 2025 season after having an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last April. When he did finally return on April 16 against the Toronto Blue Jays, Strider allowed two earned runs while walking one and striking out five in five innings before being sidelined again with a Grade 1 right-hamstring strain. He is going to need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment eventually, so in a best-case scenario, Strider won't rejoin Atlanta's rotation until later in May. Keep him stashed in all fantasy formats.
Source: MLB.com
Atlanta Braves right-hander Source: MLB.com
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