Braves receive a positive update on former All-Star

Q: What is Spencer Strider's current status with the Atlanta Braves?

Spencer Strider is on track to begin a rehab start after successfully throwing live batting practice.

Q: How fast did Spencer Strider's fastball reach during his recent practice?

During his recent practice, Spencer Strider's fastball topped out at 95 mph.

Q: Who are the current quality starters for the Atlanta Braves?

The current quality starters for the Braves include Reynaldo Lopez, Bryce Elder, Grant Holmes, and Chris Sale.

Braves receive a positive update on former All-Star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Decimated by injury, the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation has been elite, as their fifth in starters' ERA (2.85). All four Braves starters have ERAs under 4.00, while right-handers Reynaldo Lopez (1.15) and Bryce Elder (1.02) have ERAs close to 1.00.

The Braves have four quality starters in Elder, Lopez, right-hander Grant Holmes (2.55 ERA), and 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner left-hander Chris Sale (3.94). Having four quality arms, the Braves will soon add another, as they received a positive update on right-hander Spencer Strider.

Spencer Strider takes a positive step in the right direction for the Atlanta Braves

According to Braves reporter Grant McAuley of 92.9 The Game, manager Walt Weiss said Strider is right on track to begin a rehab start after throwing live batting practice Saturday. Strider’s fastball was topping out at 95mph.

After a successful live batting practice, the plan is for Strider to pitch in a rehab game on April 16 and will try to throw 40-45 pitches. The former All-Star (2023) has been on the injured list since the end of spring training with a left oblique strain.

Strider had missed 2024 (made two starts) with Tommy John surgery, and came back to make 23 starts in 2025 (7-14 with a 4.45 ERA). The 27-year-old was good in spring training before suffering the oblique injury, having a 3.24 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 8.1 innings.

Strider will need multiple minor league appearances to 1. Get himself “built back up” and 2. Properly recover from his left oblique strain, so as not to re-injure it. But once he's back, the Braves will have five quality starters to throw against teams.

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