3 hours Ago By Eric Smithling, Yardbarker
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider can't catch a break. Strider made his season debut on April 16, his first start in over a year. It will again be a while before he gets back on the mound.
On Monday, the Braves announced that Strider (strained hamstring) has been placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to April 18 after he suffered his injury while playing catch during an off day. ( h/t ESPN ) Following a breakout 2023, Strider started twice last season, his final start coming on April 5, before undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. Strider was sharp in three minor league starts at Triple-A Gwinnett before his 2025 call-up, posting a 1.
32 earned run average (ERA) with 27 strikeouts while allowing 11 base runners in 13.2 innings. Against the Toronto Blue Jays last Wednesday, Strider allowed two earned runs and five hits in five innings while throwing 97 pitches, his most since Sept.
13, 2023. Strider's discouraging injury continues Atlanta's snakebit 2025 season. The Braves lost their first seven games and have remained in last place in the NL East since.
On Sunday, injured shortstop Ronald Acuna Jr. criticized manager Brian Snitker's handling of outfielder Jarred Kelenic after Kelenic jogged out of the batter's box after hitting a deep fly ball and was thrown out at second base. The Braves could use good news, but the 2025 season has had other ideas.
Atlanta must weather the next two weeks without Strider, which might be difficult for a team with the fourth-worst starter ERA (4.58) this season. ( h/t FanGraphs ) Strider's hamstring adds another layer to the Braves' miserable first month of the season.
As brutal as things have been, they might not improve anytime soon. Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf.
He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans.
