Spencer Strider Returns to Braves, But They Still Lose

Two years ago, Atlanta Braves righthander Spencer Strider was 20-4 with a 3.86 ERA and 281 strikeouts. He was Rookie of the Year in the National League the year before, going 11-5, with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts. So, big things were anticipated for the 2024 season. Unfortunately, Strider injured his UCL and was out after making just two appearances.

On April 16th, Strider returned to mound as the Braves faced the Blue Jays in Toronto. He looked like he was returning to form. In five innings, he allowed five hits, two earned runs, walking one and striking out five. One of those hits, however, was a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. home run, and another was a Guerrero RBI single, and Toronto claimed a 3-1 victory. Strider took the loss while Chris Bassitt got the victory for the Jays. Bassitt has been lights out so far; in this game he pitched five innings of three hit shutout ball with 10 strikeouts. He’s 2-0 with 31 strikeouts and an 0.77 ERA in four starts and 23 1/3 innings pitched.

Still, Strider’s return is some good news for a Braves club that hasn’t had much to cheer about in the early part of the season. Atlanta fell to 5-13 after losing two of three in Toronto. The Braves started the season 0-7.