Spencer Strider started the Braves’ home opener against the Diamondbacks on Friday night, and things didn’t go well. The righty pitched four innings, allowing five runs on three walks and four strikeouts. In addition, he threw 88 pitches throughout that time. After the game, several Braves beat journalists reported that the 25-year-old was having elbow soreness and will undergo an MRI on Saturday.
It’s unfortunate to hear Spencer is coping with this after such a promising start to 2024, and he’s done a lot to show supporters that he enjoys having them around as well.
During Friday’s game, there was a sense that something wasn’t right with Strider. His fastball velocity was noticeably lower. His average dropped by 1.2 MPH, and he threw only eight fastballs in his MLB career that were 94 MPH or slower, including a 93.8 MPH heater.
He was able to maintain speeds of roughly 96 mph, which is far from his regular 97-99 mph range.
Brian Snitker said after the game that Strider came in from the dugout after his last inning saying that his elbow was bothering him, but he didn’t know if it was just that final inning or throughout the game.
What a Spencer Strider elbow injury could mean for the Braves
Of course, the biggest concern with an elbow injury is Tommy John surgery. Strider previously underwent the surgery during his sophomore year at Clemson, which allowed him to focus on retooling and becoming the pitcher he is today.
A second Tommy John would substantially alter the Braves pitching staff, with the organization most likely turning to Bryce Elder, AJ Smith-Shawver, Darius Vines, or Allan Winans, all of whom are currently on the club’s 40-man roster. It would also affect the club’s pitching intentions for next season, given the recuperation time is 12-18 months.
Of fact, not all elbow problems require Tommy John surgery. Gerrit Cole reported elbow trouble at the start of Spring Training, and while he is expected to miss a few months, surgery is not on the table as of this writing.
In 2021, Zac Gallen went on the injured list in May with a UCL sprain but returned to the mound by mid-June. In 2022, he started 31 games.
Obviously, Braves fans are expecting the worst, but it’s important to realize that not all elbow injuries result in Tommy John surgery. Hopefully, that is the case here, as Atlanta’s ace is just out for a few weeks.
If it’s little, it’s preferable it happened now rather than later in the season. However, the most common complaint among pitchers is elbow pain. Atlanta will be extremely cautious with Strider throughout the process. We will supply you with further information when it becomes available.
