Braves’ Spencer Strider to IL: Pitching Depth Concerns Mount for Atlanta
– The Atlanta Braves’ already challenging start to the season took another significant hit on Monday with the news that right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider will start the year on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Manager Walt Weiss informed the team’s beat reporters of the injury, adding to a growing list of key players unavailable as the season opens.
Strider, 27, has struggled to regain consistent form following his recovery from UCL surgery, which sidelined him for the majority of the 2025 season. Prior to the surgery, Strider had established himself as one of the most dominant young pitchers in baseball, showcasing a high-velocity fastball and devastating breaking ball. He last completed a full season in 2023. Last year, limited to 23 starts due to the surgery and a hamstring strain, he posted a 4.45 ERA across 125 1/3 innings, a noticeable decline from his previous performance.
The timing of the oblique strain is particularly unfortunate for the Braves, who were hoping for a healthy and revitalized Strider to anchor their rotation. Instead, he joins a mounting list of injured players that threatens to derail Atlanta’s championship aspirations before they even begin. Right-handers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are both recovering from surgeries to remove loose bodies from their elbows and have been ruled out for an extended period. Left-hander Joey Wentz suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and shortstop Ha-Seong Kim is expected to miss at least a month with a hand injury sustained before spring training. Adding to the team’s woes, outfielder/designated hitter Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entire season after a second positive PED test.
The Braves’ pitching depth has been a major concern throughout spring training, and Strider’s injury only exacerbates the problem. As it stands, the rotation will be led by Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes. Lopez, however, pitched only once last year while recovering from shoulder surgery, raising questions about his durability and readiness for a full season. Holmes, meanwhile, is recovering from a UCL tear that he rehabbed without undergoing surgery, leaving some uncertainty about his long-term health and effectiveness.
Beyond the top three, the Braves’ options are limited. Bryce Elder and José Suarez, both out of minor league options, are likely to make the roster, though their roles remain unclear – they could be utilized as starters or relievers. According to reports, Suarez is considered a “likely” starter to begin the season. The team is also considering selecting the contract of veteran right-hander Martín Pérez, who had previously been informed he would not make the club. Right-hander Didier Fuentes is currently slated to remain in the bullpen.
The lack of established pitching depth underscores the demand for the Braves to explore external options. President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos may look to add a veteran pitcher through free agency or a trade to bolster the rotation and provide insurance against further injuries. Several players may become available as teams finalize their rosters in the coming days, either through opt-outs from minor league deals or designations for assignment. The Braves will likely be monitoring these developments closely.
The situation presents a significant challenge for Atlanta, a team widely considered to be among the favorites in the National League. The Braves’ success this season will depend heavily on the health and performance of their pitching staff, as well as their ability to identify and develop viable replacements for the injured players. The early part of the season will be a crucial test of the team’s resilience and depth, and could ultimately determine their trajectory for the remainder of the year.
The Braves’ opening series will be a stern test, and the reliance on pitchers with recent injury concerns or limited experience will be closely watched. The team’s ability to navigate this early adversity will be a key indicator of their potential to contend for a championship in 2026.