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Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider‘s diagnosis came back with the worst news. The opening-day starter for the defending NL East champions felt soreness and irregularity in his right elbow after his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his second start of the season, Strider pitched four innings, giving up seven hits and five earned runs. After the disastrous start from the 25-year-old, his complaints of discomfort in his elbow concerned fans, management, and players.
Expectations for Spencer Strider
The Braves right-hander had all the tools to become this year’s Cy Young winner. Spring training was the precursor to what could’ve been a monster season in 2024. Strider pitched 22 2/3 innings, posting a 0.79 ERA, 1.015 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts across six games. The expectations were for the fourth-year starter to reach new expectations. Many experts picked Strider to contend with the NL Cy Young award, leading the majors in strikeouts this season. The flamethrower ticked 98 and 99 across the fastball this spring and turned the page to adding a curveball to his pitch selection.
Next Steps
For Strider, the recovery plan will have him miss all 2024. Through rehab and caring for his elbow, the question he has to answer is how much more he can throw. After his surgery, how much longer will his elbow last in the majors before another injury? This is a question that he will have to answer himself.
The Braves called up Allan Winans to take over on the 40-man roster. Winans, 28 years old, started six games for the Braves last season, posting a 1-2 record. He posted a 5.29 ERA, 1.392 WHIP, and 34 punch-outs in those six games. Atlanta isn’t too keen on signing a free-agent like Trevor Bauer; they will stick with their farm system to develop pitchers. The trade deadline may be a time to plug and replace.
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