Atlanta ace starting pitcher Strider is back on the injury list with a right hamstring strain on a pass

Spencer Stander is back on the injury list, less than a week after his highly anticipated return from elbow surgery.

Strive strained his right hamstring during a pass at Trouc Park on Monday afternoon. He was put on a 15-day injury list after being told the Warriors would not be able to start Tuesday against the Cardinals as planned.

This is another major blow to the Warriors. The right-handed pitcher returned to the rotation just last week after undergoing internal support surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow. Stride conceded two points in five innings from the start in Toronto on Wednesday and is looking to start his first home start of the season on Tuesday.

The Warriors will be clearer on the severity of Stripde's injury in the coming days. But given that he has just finished a lengthy recovery process, the team may be cautious about his return.

After Stryde started just once in health in 2024, the Warriors benefited from stellar performances from 2024 National League Young Award winner Chris Sale and 2024 All-Star Reynaldo López. But the situation for these two pitchers is very different this season.

Searle had a 6.17 ERA in the first five starts, and Lopez underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder after only one start. Lopez may not be back until at least late August, and it's unclear whether he'll return as a starter or backup.

With Strider sidelined, the Warriors could have right-hand striker Michael Petersen, who was recalled from triple-A Gwinnett on Monday evening, to start on Tuesday and take Stredder's slot. They could also opt for back-up pitcher Scott Blewett, who was acquired from the Orioles in a cash deal on Sunday.

AJ Smith-Shawver started for triple-A Gwinnett on Friday and was therefore unavailable until Wednesday.