It's safe to say that the start of the 2025 MLB season hasn't gone the way that Atlanta Braves fans expected. After performing like one of baseball's best clubs for the seven previous seasons, the Braves are off to one of the worst starts in franchise history, owning a putrid 2-9 record ahead of Thursday's clash with the rival Philadelphia Phillies.
It's safe to say that Braves fans are at the point where they'll take any piece of good news they can get. Fortunately, the fanbase was just hit was a much-needed dose of optimism ahead of their latest NL East showdown.
Braves' Spencer Strider Dazzles in Likely Final Rehab Start
Spencer Strider is one player who Braves fans have yet to see play this season. The former 2023 MLB strikeout leader hasn't played a meaningful game since undergoing elbow surgery last April, leaving time to tell when he'd be healthy enough to make his 2025 debut.
Well, it looks like Strider might be joining the Braves soon based on how his latest rehab stint went. He dazzled across 5 1/3 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett, striking out a whopping 13 Norfolk batters while only giving up one earned run, three hits, and a pair of walks.
Spencer Strider just struck out 13 of the 21 batters he faced on 90 pitches... Chat, is that good?
— Gwinnett Stripers (@GoStripers) April 10, 2025
5.1 IP | 3 H | 1 ER | 2 BB | 13 SO pic.twitter.com/3MDs4zZArV
What's even more impressive is Strider's efficiency. The former MLB All-Star hurler recorded 62 strikes on 90 pitches (68.9%), highlighting that he might be closer to his top form than some people expected. It might not be much longer before he makes his Braves return because he clearly has nothing else to prove from a rehab perspective.
Atlanta fans are hoping to see Strider looking more like his 2023 self whenever he debuts. After all, that campaign was a breakout year for the former Clemson Tiger. Strider led the MLB in wins (20), strikeouts (281), and strikeouts per nine innings (13.5) that season while also recording a 3.86 ERA, all of which played a big role in his finishing fourth in the NL Cy Young race.
Not only would that sort of performance help the Braves get back on track, but it could also help garner Strider some national recognition. The Columbus, OH native is currently tied for the third-best NL Comeback Player of the Year odds (+500) on FanDuel Sportsbook as his eventual 2025 debut looms.
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Odds update periodically and are subject to change.