Braves starting pitcher Strider suffers oblique strain, will begin season on injury list

The Atlanta Braves began spring training with news that their number two starter Spencer Schwellenbach had right elbow discomfort. With camp concluding, the team is set to lose three starting pitchers, among them Spencer Strider.

Braves manager Walt Weiss stated that Strider has a left oblique strain and is expected to start the season on the injury list. The right-hander felt a slight strain after starting a minor league game against the Red Sox last Wednesday. Due to persistent discomfort, the team decided to remove him from his scheduled Tuesday start against the Pirates.

“We believe we addressed this issue somewhat proactively,” Weiss said, “so hopefully it's not a major problem.”

Even if Strider only misses a few weeks, it's a blow to the Braves, who already lack pitching depth. The team begins the regular season with a stretch of 13 consecutive game days.

“He himself felt discomfort, not severe, but noticeable when pitching,” Weiss said. “If he had forced himself to start today, it could have worsened the injury.”

Didier Fuentes will start in Bradenton on Tuesday, replacing Strider and continuing to build up his innings. However, Weiss indicated that this 20-year-old right-hander will still begin the season in a relief role.

Weiss revealed Strider's injury status when asked about Reynaldo López's four-seam fastball averaging only 89.4 mph against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. López attributed the significant drop in velocity to issues with his pitching mechanics.

This was not an encouraging end to spring training for López. He started only one regular-season game last year before undergoing season-ending right shoulder arthroscopic surgery.

“He said he's fine,” Weiss remarked. “I asked him about it maybe ten times yesterday. He just felt his pitching mechanics weren't smooth. That day was one where nothing felt right.”

The Braves' projected opening season starting rotation is expected to consist of Chris Sale, López, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and José Suarez. Martín Pérez, who did not secure a roster spot by Sunday's deadline, opted to remain within the organization. The Braves stated he needs to further build up innings before being considered for the rotation.

But with available options dwindling, Pérez might be utilized sooner than anticipated.

Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both underwent elbow surgeries in February and will be sidelined until late June or early July. Another rotation candidate, Joey Wentz, suffered a torn right knee ACL on March 8.

Strider's situation is concerning on its own; he underwent a second major elbow surgery in 2024. This 2023 All-Star pitcher's fastball velocity stabilized around 93-94 mph in the final innings of last Wednesday's minor league game, but he may already have been limited by the oblique strain.

“We have a long road ahead,” Weiss said. “There will be more setbacks along the way. But we have some good pitchers in camp, as I've said from the start. That's what we'll do—support each other when needed.”