Spencer Strider's Atlanta Braves return hardly went as planned, with the starter putting the Atlanta offense in an early hole. Despite battling back to tie the game, Washington consistently hit Strider hard, and the offense was unable to mount a second comeback.
The Atlanta ace showed a noticeable dip in velocity and simply wasn't the dominating presence Atlanta fans have been spoiled to watching.
No one was more transparent or frustrated with the struggles than Spencer Strider himself. It is a part of why the starter has become a fan favorite in Atlanta.
"We sent a pretty good guy down that was supposed to pitch in my spot"
Strider's quote began by acknowledging the poor outing: "I don't enjoy failing and certainly not at the expense of the team." The flame-thrower refused to offer you canned answers or platitudes that so many players lean on in these situations.
Strider continued by pointing out that the team made the sacrifice of sending Bryce Elder down to make room for Strider in the Atlanta rotation. This was in the middle of a great run from Elder. It was the best version of the starter Atlanta fans had seen in the past two seasons. However, it was next to impossible to demote either Grant Holmes or AJ Smith-Shawver with how well each starter has been throwing.
Add in Elder's lack of value as a bullpen piece, and Atlanta made the obvious move. A sacrifice that Strider willingly pointed out and took on after his failure. Taking things a step further, Strider offered an eye-popping sentiment simply saying: "If I can't be better, I don't need to be out there." This is as realistically harsh as you'll ever hear a star athlete.
It is dripping with self awareness that Tuesday's performance simply isn't acceptable. With that said, Strider isn't a cause for concern just yet. It has been over a year since the starter has pitched at this level with any regularity. After being lost in the first weeks of the 2024 season, Strider has spent the previous year rehabbing.
After making one start with Atlanta, the pitcher suffered another injury and went back on the shelf. A healthy level of rust and ramp-up time, even with minor league reps, is to be expected.
Strider's quotes are accurate. However, they ignore the needed grace of such an incredibly long layoff. Atlanta fans don't have any reason for concern just yet.