This Major Hurdle Stands Between Spencer Strider and His Braves Comeback
Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider is tantalizingly close to a much-needed return to the mound—but before he can officially rejoin the team, he must clear one last crucial test. Strider is scheduled to throw a 70-75 pitch simulated game on Wednesday, a key evaluation step that will determine whether he’s finally ready to make his first real start since suffering a hamstring injury in April.
After battling back from elbow surgery in 2024, Strider’s return this season was highly anticipated. But frustration quickly followed as he pulled his hamstring during his very first outing in over a year on April 16th. For Strider and Braves fans alike, the injury was a gut punch—especially after the grueling rehab he endured to return from his non-Tommy John elbow procedure last spring.
The former 20-game winner now stands on the brink of rejoining a team that desperately needs his firepower. Atlanta, hovering around .500, has been severely undermined by the absence of both Strider and superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who are also working their way back through a rehab assignment this week. The duo’s absence has left a noticeable void, both in the lineup and on the mound.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, if Strider’s simulated outing goes smoothly, he could take the hill as early as next week in a key divisional matchup against the Washington Nationals. The Braves, who have struggled to find rotation consistency in his absence, would welcome even a solid, if not dominant, version of Strider back into the fold.
His career stats paint the picture of a truly elite arm: a 1.07 WHIP and 500 strikeouts in just 334 innings. In 2023, his last full season, Strider led Major League Baseball with 281 strikeouts and 20 wins. Simply put, when he’s on the mound, he changes the entire dynamic of Atlanta’s pitching staff.
The Braves will be cautious not to rush him. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky for pitchers who rely on power and mechanics like Strider. Yet there’s cautious optimism that this final simulated outing could be the turning point. If Strider emerges healthy and in rhythm, his return could not only jumpstart Atlanta’s season—but reignite their postseason hopes.
All eyes now turn to Wednesday. For Atlanta, it could mark the beginning of a long-overdue resurgence. For Spencer Strider, it’s one final hurdle before redemption.
Thanks for reading the OutOfSightSports Publication! It means more than you can imagine to us! We’re grateful for your support. Follow us across our various social media platforms @OOSSports for the most “OutOfSight” Sports Content on the web! Also, drop a subscription to our YouTube channel for highlights and more. Check out the OutOfSightShop for exclusive sports gear. Click the LinkMe below to find all our social media platforms. See you next time! 🚀
LinkMe to all our social media accounts ⬇️