The Atlanta Braves suffered a huge hit to the roster last season when their ace Spencer Strider went down with a torn UCL. Strider would undergo season-ending elbow surgery shortly thereafter. He had made just two starts and tossed nine innings in 2024 before suffering the injury.
Atlanta struggled with starting rotation depth without Strider, but the top end of their staff was great. Chris Sale won the National League Cy Young award, and he’s primed for another big year.
Braves top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver has looked excellent at times during the spring. Smith-Shawver’s development will be very important for Atlanta this season. But all eyes will be on the return of Strider.
Speaking of the Braves’ ace, Atlanta recently received some good news.
Braves beat writer Justin Toscano reported that Strider is set to make his return to the mound Monday against the Boston Red Sox.
This is a huge step in the right direction for Strider, the Braves, and the entire fan base. But it’s important to hold some realistic expectations for the flame-throwing righty.
First of all, he’ll likely only throw an inning or two. He’s still likely a long way away from throwing seven or eight innings in a single game. At the end of the day, it’s his first time on the mound in a real game setting in about a year.
There’s a chance Strider doesn’t look like the same pitcher he was in 2023. It will likely take a few times out to return to form.
Still, this is a massive step in the right direction for Atlanta’s pursuit of the 2025 World Series.
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