The Atlanta Braves finally got Spencer Strider back earlier this season, but a hamstring injury quickly landed him back on the injured list. Now, he is unsure whether he will be returning before a rehab stint.
Stridern injured his hamstring during a catch session right after making his season debut. He went back on the injured list and received injections to help with recovery. However, his recent comments suggest his return may not be cut and dry.
“(Braves’) Spencer Strider said he feels ready, but doesn’t know yet if he’ll be added to rotation w/out rehab start,” wrote The Athletic’s David O’Brien on X. “PPP (not PRP) injection 2 days after hamstring injury helped hasten healing, he believes. Roster decision is difficult with only one team off day in next 15, etc.”
Strider was an All-Star in 2023 and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award race. However, he has made just three starts for the Braves. He underwent surgery last year to repair damage to his elbow. It was not Tommy John surgery, but still kept him out for the rest of the year.
He signed a six-year, $75 million deal in 2023, but the Braves have not seen the returns they would have liked on their investment. The Braves are currently 19-20 after an abysmal 0-7 start. They are making a push to get back in the National League East race and make the postseason.
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Getting Strider back will be a huge step in making that happen. However, if he needs a rehab stint, he may not end up pitching until the end of May or early June. The Braves will want to make sure he is a full-go before bringing him back, but they do not want to delay him long enough to where their season slips away.
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