Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider is set to make his long-awaited return to the mound.
The Braves have announced that Spencer Strider will start on Monday against the Boston Red Sox, marking his first outing since undergoing right elbow surgery last April. It remains uncertain whether the 26-year-old will have any pitch or innings restrictions.
Strider dominated hitters in his first two seasons, racking up 483 strikeouts and a 6.8 bWAR from 2022-23. The 2020 fourth-round pick led the league with 281 strikeouts in 2023, earning All-Star recognition and finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting.
Strider led the majors with 20 wins in 2023, becoming the second Braves pitcher since 2004 to accomplish the feat, alongside Kyle Wright (21 wins in 2022).
Atlanta is counting on another dominant season from Strider, who is expected to rejoin the MLB roster in April. With All-Star pitcher Max Fried departing for the Yankees in the offseason, the Braves’ rotation has several uncertainties beyond reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale.
Veteran Braves reporter Mark Bowman anticipates Strider will make at least five starts—split between spring training and Minor League rehab outings—before making his season debut.
Strider chose to have an internal brace procedure on his right elbow instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery. This option allows for a faster recovery, whereas Tommy John would have likely sidelined him for the first couple of months of the season.
The Braves are still without superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who underwent right ACL surgery last year. He is not expected to appear in Grapefruit League games this week, and the team has yet to provide a timeline for the return of the 2023 NL MVP.
