injured ace Spencer Strider says he will “cheer them on” and that the Braves can win the World Series without him.
ATLANTA — During spring training, Spencer Strider started experiencing pain in his pitching elbow. However, the right-handed ace for the Atlanta Braves was unaware of the extent of the problem until he was informed that he would require surgery to end his season.
Following Tommy John surgery in 2019, Strider claimed to have developed a bone fragment that resulted in instability of the ulnar collateral ligament. Strider added that he underwent an internal brace technique rather than a rip that would have necessitated a second Tommy John surgery, which may have given him a better chance to heal in time for the 2025 season to begin.
On April 5, after pitching four innings in Atlanta’s 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Strider finally voiced his discomfort. A week prior, on opening day of the season, he had pitched five innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his first start of the year.
In his first press appearance since the surgery, Strider stated on Friday, “You’re not going to feel good when you’re playing baseball every day,” as he stood in front of his locker. “I’m not looking for that, then. You know, as I previously stated, I’ll pitch through anything if I think I can benefit the club, and because I felt like I was out of options, I decided it was time to speak up.”
On April 6, an MRI showed that his UCL was damaged. The treatment was carried out on April 13 by Dr. Keith Meister, the Texas Rangers’ team physician. The Rangers and the Atlanta Braves started a three-game series in Atlanta’s Truist Park on Friday night.
The 25-year-old Strider stated, “They’re theorizing that I tore some connective tissue… and that’s what destabilized the ligament.” “And maybe I blew through the last of that on that game, and things deteriorated pretty quickly throughout the outing.”
Strider finished 20-5 in the previous season, leading Major League Baseball in both wins and strikeouts (285), and earning his first-ever MLB All-Star selection. After making his Major League debut in October 2021, he started the 2022 campaign in Atlanta’s bullpen before entering the starting lineup in late May.
Strider, whose right arm is immobile in a sling, stated he will try to find methods to help his teammates as the Braves attempt to win the National League East Division for the ninth time in a row. After defeating the Phillies in an NL Division Series the previous two years, despite winning the World Series in 2021, they are also looking for a longer postseason run.
“These guys don’t don’t need me to win a World Series,” Strider stated. “It is evident that they intend to continue on that path. I will be present to encourage them.
Strider’s replacement will not be easy, though, as Atlanta is more interested in finding a backup than a starting pitcher.
On April 11, in a 16–15 defeat to the New York Mets, right-hander Allan Winans gave up seven runs (six earned) in five innings and was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett following the game.
Darius Vines, a right-hander, was more successful, going 4 2/3 innings and giving up just one run and four hits while striking out four in a 6-1 victory over the Houston Astros on Monday. On Sunday night, Vines is expected to make his second start of the year.
