The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation is set to be strengthened by pitcher, who is anticipated to make the start against the Boston Red Sox on Monday.
The Atlanta Braves are bringing a familiar pitcher back to the mound. As reported by Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 26-year-old pitcher will take the mound as the starting pitcher for Monday’s home game in North Port against the Boston Red Sox.
No specific details have been provided regarding what to expect from Strider in his first appearance, such as the number of innings or pitch count.
Strider had been anticipated to play in a Spring Training game, as his rehab was progressing well, with each session receiving positive reports.
A March update mentioned that Strider might rejoin the rotation by the end of April, but MLB.com’s Mark Bowman recently reported that there’s a possibility he could return as early as mid-April.
Strider was sidelined due to an elbow injury after just two starts in the 2024 season. Though he didn’t require Tommy John surgery, he was still forced to miss the rest of the season.
Once he returns, FanGraphs predicts Strider will be one of the top pitchers in the rotation, projecting a 9-5 record, a 3.20 ERA, 158 strikeouts in 119 innings, a 1.10 WHIP, 2.9 WAR, and a 3.05 FIP.
In his last full season, Strider made 32 starts, finishing with a 3.86 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and a 109 ERA+ in 186 2/3 innings. He led the National League in strikeouts with 281, earning an All-Star selection and finishing fourth in Cy Young voting.
His return will provide a boost to the rotation after Max Fried and Charlie Morton departed over the offseason.
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