Spencer Strider made his much-anticipated return to the mound on March 17, 2025, as the Atlanta Braves faced the Boston Red Sox during spring training. This game marked Strider's first appearance since he underwent elbow surgery during the previous season, and he delivered remarkably, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming major league season.
Strider’s performance was nothing short of impressive. Over 2 ⅔ innings, the 26-year-old struck out six batters and allowed no hits, as he faced eight total batters. Out of the 27 pitches he threw, 23 were strikes, illustrating not only his confidence but also his elusiveness on the mound. The only two hitters from the Red Sox lineup to avoid being struck out were David Hamilton and Nick Sogard, with Hamilton grounding out and Sogard hitting a foul pop.
This outing was especially significant for Strider, who had not pitched since April 5, 2024, due to a UCL sprain. The Braves decided on internal-brace repair instead of the more invasive Tommy John surgery, which allowed for a quicker recovery period. Manager Brian Snitker reported prior to the game there were no strict limitations on Strider’s pitch count during this appearance, indicating confidence both from the front office and from Strider himself as he took the mound.
Strider commented on the importance of getting back to live-action pitching, focusing on the heavy competitive aspect of spring training. “Being out there for the first one is special,” said Chris Sale, who is set to start on Opening Day for the Braves. “It’s like the first day of school. It’s like Christmas Day for baseball. Opening Day is always special, and I’m appreciative of the moment.” Sale's sentiment reflects the broader excitement around the Braves as they prep for the 2025 season.
Last season was cut short for Strider after just two starts, where he struggled to post a 7.00 ERA. This season, he's aiming to regain the form which saw him emerge as one of baseball’s top pitchers. Across the combined 2022-23 seasons, Strider posted stunning numbers, such as 318 ⅓ innings pitched, with 37.4% of batters struck out. His stellar performance during this stretch led to him finishing fourth in the National League Cy Young voting and earning his first All-Star selection.
The Braves have high hopes for Strider as they navigate the tough National League East, where they will rely on his elite abilities to compete alongside teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. With the departure of star pitcher Max Fried to the New York Yankees and the loss of veteran Charlie Morton, Strider’s return is not just timely but also necessary. His presence will add depth to what has become a shaky rotation with Chris Sale, who has his own durability concerns.
Evaluation of FanGraphs projects notable outcomes for Strider, estimating he’ll finish with one of the highest strikeout totals among the Braves’ starting staff. The anticipated figures include 9 wins, 158 strikeouts over 119 innings pitched, and maintaining solid metrics with a 3.20 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. The expectation surrounding Strider's resurgence is palpable, with fans and analysts eager to see if he can replicate his previous successes.
After this impressive return, the Braves are not only optimistic about Strider’s health but also the potential lineup synergy as the team heads toward the season opener against the San Diego Padres on March 28, 2025. The return of Strider is viewed as one of the most significant elements for the Braves, highlighting their deep aspirations for another successful run. With each solid outing, fans are reminded of the talent Strider brings—a promising factor for the Brave's competitive edge this coming season.
Although Strider will continue to be monitored closely for any signs of setbacks, this debut has positioned him as one of the key players to watch as the Braves get ready to kick off their season. The exciting prospects surrounding Strider’s performance suggest he is poised to carve out his place as one of baseball’s premier pitchers again.
