The Atlanta Braves and their supporters are anxiously awaiting an update. This weekend could bring pivotal information that will significantly influence the course of their season.
Following a decline in velocity and allowing five runs in four innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, it became evident that there were concerns about the performance of ace Spencer Strider.
Post-game, it was disclosed that he had experienced elbow problems and would undergo an MRI on Saturday.
“Strider was troubled by his elbow. He’s scheduled for an MRI tomorrow,” tweeted Braves insider Mark Bowman.
Every day, the number of pitching elbow injuries in MLB continues to rise.
Pitchers’ relentless pursuit of increasing velocity is exacting a toll on their bodies.
In Strider’s case, his high-speed fastball and sharp slider posed potential risks to his health.
Depending on the MRI results, the right-handed pitcher could be sidelined for a few starts or potentially even multiple seasons (potentially including 2024 and most of 2025 if he requires Tommy John surgery).
While it’s premature to draw conclusions, fans are understandably becoming anxious.
Fortunately, the Braves boast a wealth of talented pitchers, including Max Fried, Chris Sale, Charlie Morton, and Reynaldo Lopez.
No one else on the team possesses Strider’s potential for excellence and knack for strikeouts.
Should he be sidelined for an extended period, the Braves would undoubtedly feel his absence keenly.
He stands as MLB’s top strikeout performer and epitomizes a captivating pitcher.
So far this season, he holds a 7.00 ERA across nine innings pitched.
Across the baseball community, there’s a collective hope for his swift return to the mound.
