#spencer-strider

#spencer-strider

Sigh, this is a depressing one of these to do. Everything about Spencer Strider was, in theory, so awesome, that it didn't seem like a little thing like a year-long layoff due to elbow troubles was going to derail his career. Surely someone so diligent in being in tune with his body and mechanics could hit the ground running, right? Well, not exactly. After an uneven 2025, Strider's outlook is uncertain, and pretty fraught.

Earlier this year, April 16 to be specific, Spencer Strider made a long-awaited return to the mound after missing nearly the entirety of the 2024 season due to surgery on his elbow. Considering how poor of a start the Braves got off to in 2025, his return was truly a sight for sore eyes and the obvious hope was that his return was the catalyst to help revive both the pitching staff's and the team's fortunes as well.

Spencer Strider took the mound for the final time in 2025, looking for further validation of his new pitching approach. Flamethrowing rookie Bubba Chandler started the game for the Pirates. Both pitchers started the game with a 1-2-3 first, but faced some more challenges in the second. Strider pitched around two singles and a hit-by-pitch with some help from a double-play to hold the Pirates scoreless through two.

Spencer Strider went six innings without allowing a run, striking out eight and permitting just one baserunner per inning, showcasing his exceptional pitching skills.

Spencer Strider's return from a major injury has been rocky, demonstrating the need for patience as he readjusts to competitive play after a long layoff.