Spencer Strider (Image Credits: Imagn)

Atlanta Braves Suffer Huge Blow With Spencer Strider

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Cresswell McCoy | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 3:14 AM ET

MLB Opening Day is upon us, but the Atlanta Braves will enter the season with bad news. Spencer Strider suffered a minor setback after an oblique strain. While it might be a minor setback, it’s still a huge blow for the Braves as they enter this season.

The club’s manager, Walt Weiss, made the announcement on Strider’s injury. There’s no return timeline for Strider, but it could take up to a month. Even a minor Grade 1 oblique strain could keep the Braves ace out for a while.

Strider has struggled with injuries in the last couple of years. He last pithed properly in 2023. The following year was another disaster after he required a UCL surgery. Spencer Strider missed the entire 2025 season, and 2026 was subpar.

Atlanta Braves Need Another Backup Pitcher To Replace Spencer Strider

The Braves failed to make the playoffs last season. They struggled in the NL East and finished fourth with a 76-86 record. Spencer Strider’s absence will hurt the team at the beginning of the season.

Spencer Strider will begin the year on the injured list pic.twitter.com/a8b56zhiob
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 23, 2026

It’s a tough stretch for the team, and they must consider adding another pitcher to help them survive. Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder will need to carry the team forward without Strider.

The good news is that the Braves have a deep farm system. They could promote a couple of pitchers from the minor league. They have a few top pitching prospects. JP Ritchie could make his debut in 2026. With Spencer Strider gone, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Braves to promote Ritchie.

The Braves have more than Spencer Strider’s issues to solve. They have not had a great offseason in terms of adding star players. Making the playoffs in a competitive division with the Phillies and Mets is still doubtful.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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