The Atlanta Braves are currently in North Port, Florida, for Spring Training. Although they made the playoffs last season, they were swiftly knocked out in the wild-card round.
They’re aiming for a better outcome in 2025, and believe the groundwork for that success starts now during Spring Training. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday at 1:05 p.m. EST against the Minnesota Twins.
Fans will get their first look at the team in action this year, along with some exciting news about pitcher Spencer Strider.
On Friday, Strider took part in a side-throwing session at CoolToday Park, with batters in the box but not swinging.
Braves News: Spencer Strider Impressed During Friday’s Throwing Session
Braves legend Dale Murphy was in attendance and liked what he saw from Strider. He said, “Looks like he’s in midseason form to me.”
Strider was also excited to be on the field, getting live reps in. He stated, “Obviously I haven’t been on a mound in pants and cleats and a jersey in a while. Not to be cliche or cheesy or anything, but of course, you do miss the game and you miss doing what you do. And definitely, standing out there you get touched back with like, man, I just love being out here. So that’s always exciting.”
His 2024 season was cut short after he had undergone UCL surgery on his right elbow. He had bone fragments that developed in his elbow and underwent a new procedure known as internal brace surgery.
The rehab is generally three-to-four months compared to 12-16 months of rehab it takes when you have Tommy John surgery. And that’s something he had to undergo in 2019 while he was at the University of Clemson.
While Strider wasn’t facing live batters, this was a great first step. Live batting practice is next on the slate, and although there’s no timeline for that just yet, the 26-year-old is ready for that step whenever it comes and is happy with his recovery.
Strider said, “But once they’re swinging, I’m trying to get guys out. So it’s another element and environmental change that can help bring out some competitive adrenaline and get things moving well. But we’ve done such a good job of building a base, making sure mechanics are in a good spot. My stuff and command have come along better than I could have expected. So I feel good about introducing new elements of competitiveness that will bring out the velo and adrenaline and everything.”
Having the Ohio native return to the rotation at some point this season will be a major boost for the Braves. In his career, Strider has a 54-32 record as a starter, a 3.47 ERA, and 495 strikeouts.
His standout season came in 2023, where he finished 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA and led the league with 281 strikeouts. Those impressive numbers earned him a spot on the All-Star team and a place on the All-MLB First Team.
His return to the mound is getting closer, and Friday marked a significant step forward.
Leave a Reply