Spencer Strider's triumphant return lasted all of one start before the starter is headed back toAtlanta's injured list. Strider suffered a hamstring strain while playing catch and let the Braves know he would be unable to make Tuesday's scheduled start.
It is a frustrating blow as Atlanta attempts to engineer an early-season turnaround. Already, the team is stuck withBryce Elder in the current rotationand now must find an answer for at least the next two weeks. It isn't clear how long Strider's strain is expected to keep him off the mound.
Snitker made his first comments on Monday, furthering Atlanta's reason for concern. It doesn't sound promising for a manager who typically underplays injuries. Best case scenario, Strider is able to miss two starts and be back on the mound in the first two weeks of May. The Braves badly need the stability as they still aren't sure what the bottom of the rotation will look like. Atlanta will hope Chris Sale and Spencer Schwellenbach can improve upon their recent outings and carry what is suddenly a shaky rotation.
Snitker said he didn't know the results of Strider's MRI. They'll get a better feel for how much time he might miss over the next couple days
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman)April 22, 2025
Not only is it a blow to Atlanta's chances to contend, but to a pitcher who has worked relentlessly to return to the mound. Strider just finished 12 months of rehab and working out to be able to return for the 2025 season. To only make one start before returning to the injured list has to be especially devastating. However, a hamstring strain can be lingering, but typically isn't a serious injury. If this is all that is ailing Strider, the team will be able to survive until his return.
With that said, it is only fair to point out how different this injury and Atlanta's start to the season looked if not for cheap ownership. The decision tolet Max Fried walk awayhas turned up the pressure on Chris Sale and made Strider's health paramount to team success. Imagine how different the first weeks of the season play out if the left is retained. When Strider returned, it would have given Atlanta an argument as the best rotation in the league.
It is yet another example of ownership that is valuing the bottom line of giving a talented roster a better chance at competing at a high level. This fact shouldn't be lost in the frustration of Strider's injury. One Atlanta fans can only hope isn't a sign of things to come in analready tough 2025 season.
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