Spencer Strider Returns Strong After Surgery: Perfect Game vs Red Sox
Spencer Strider's comeback from Tommy John surgery made waves on March 17, 2025, as the Atlanta Braves pitcher dazzled fans with his performance against the Boston Red Sox. This outing, Strider's first Grapefruit League game since April 2024, demonstrated his remarkable skill and resolve.
Strider, making his anticipated return to the mound, struck out six of the eight batters he faced during 2 2/3 innings of perfect pitching. His performance also marked the first time he had thrown since undergoing elbow surgery last year. "That was good," Strider remarked after the game. "It was like a little reward sprinkled on the pathway, a good test for the work you've been doing." Indeed, Strider's display was more than just good—it was exceptional.
Fans at CoolToday Park erupted with excitement as Strider began the game. He effortlessly retired the first batter, David Hamilton, who grounded out to second base. Strider followed this up by fanning his former teammate Vaughn Grissom with a classic slider and overwhelmed the motionless Roman Anthony with a blazing 98 mph fastball. Gathering momentum, he struck out the side in the second inning, using three distinct pitches to secure three more strikeouts.
Last year was challenging for Strider, who started just two games and posted a 7.00 ERA before being shut down. By then, he racked up 20 wins with a 3.86 ERA and finished fourth in Cy Young Award voting during the 2023 season. He had set the league alight with 281 strikeouts, the most of any pitcher, leading fans to see him as one of the most dynamic pitchers in baseball.
Chris Sale, the recently announced Opening Day starter for the Braves, acknowledged Strider's impact, stating, "Let’s not forget, he’s still the best pitcher on this team." Strider, characteristically modest, quipped, "He’s delusional ... I am certainly appreciative of the statement. I don’t agree with it." Strider's positive demeanor caught the essence of the day—there was joy and palpable excitement surrounding his performance.
After breezing through the first two innings, Strider closed the game with the anticipation of his return to the starting rotation sometime this April. "We need to be calm and not get ahead of ourselves," Strider said. Although he felt remarkably comfortable, he understands the need for caution. The Braves already have strong pieces to their roster, including Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Spencer Schwellenbach, and they're ready to solidify their chances for the season following Strider's reactivation.
The fans were eager as Strider pitched, with each strikeout drawing louder roars. His mix of pitches, including mid-90s fastballs, sliders, changeups, and curves, overwhelmed the Red Sox hitters. At one point, he executed a perfect 96 mph fastball against Marcelo Mayer, setting himself up with the 1-2 count before tossing him off guard with a slower curveball. Strider needed just 27 pitches to claim his eight victims, confirming his status as he earns back the competitive edge he had pre-surgery.
It's important to appreciate the effort Strider had put forward to reach this point. After securing elbow surgery last April, he faced his recovery's long and arduous road, needing to regain the extraordinary dominance he exhibited prior to injury. He had led MLB from 2022-2023 with 483 strikeouts overall, with the only pitcher close behind being Gerrit Cole.
During his post-game remarks, he cleverly acknowledged the complexity of managing game situations.
