The Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation suffered another blow Monday with the announcement that right-hander Spencer Strider will begin the season on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Manager Walt Weiss indicated the team is hopeful the injury isn’t a big deal.

Strider’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Strider was scratched from Monday’s spring training finale against Pittsburgh. Weiss stated the team believes they have the situation under control to a certain extent. He expressed optimism that the 2023 All-Star could be back within a few weeks, adding, So we hope that it won’t be a big deal. Strider previously missed time at the start of last season.

“I think we have the problem under control to a certain extent,”

Walt Weiss

Last season, Strider finished with a 4.45 ERA and 131 strikeouts, marking the worst year of his five-year MLB career. He is working to regain the form he displayed in 2023, when he led the majors with 20 victories and 281 strikeouts.

Mounting Injuries in Atlanta’s Rotation

Strider’s injury is the latest setback for the Braves’ pitching staff. Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep are already on the 60-day injured list following elbow surgery, and Joey Wentz will miss the entire season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

Concerns similarly linger regarding Reynaldo López’s performance in spring training. Weiss noted, He says he’s fine. I probably asked him a dozen times yesterday. He just felt like his throw wasn’t in sync. It was just one of those days where he really had to struggle through a mission..

“He says he’s fine. I probably asked him a dozen times yesterday. He just felt like his throw wasn’t in sync. It was just one of those days where he really had to struggle through a mission,”

Walt Weiss

Looking Ahead

Weiss acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, We still have a long way to go. There will be more setbacks. But we have some good throwers in this training camp. I said that from the beginning. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. We facilitate each other when it’s necessary. Atlanta’s season begins Friday at Truist Park against the Kansas City Royals.

FAQ

• What is Spencer Strider’s injury? Strider has been diagnosed with an oblique strain.
• How long is Strider expected to be out? The team is hopeful he will miss only a few weeks.
• Who else is injured in the Braves’ rotation? Spencer Schwellenbach, Hurston Waldrep, and Joey Wentz are also injured.