Braves Facing Season-Ending Decision After Spencer Strider News

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Braves Facing Season-Ending Decision After Spencer Strider News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Aug 11, 2026 10:00 AM ET

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said Monday that right-handers Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep will begin throwing programs this week, but stopped short of guaranteeing either pitcher will take a big league mound again in 2026, according to Barrett Sallee of 680 The Fan.

Strider has been sidelined since a June 12 start with right elbow inflammation, an injury that's been a constant problem for the 27-year-old, who has had two prior operations on that same elbow. He had Tommy John surgery in 2019 at Clemson and an internal brace procedure in April 2024.

Waldrep underwent arthroscopic surgery in February to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow, then was shut down again after a setback during a Triple-A Gwinnett start. Both pitchers appeared to have been shut down for the season by staying on the injured list until Weiss' update on Monday.

Braves manager Walt Weiss says that pitchers Spencer Strider and Hurston Waldrep will begin throwing programs this week. However, he did not say if either will be ready before the end of the season.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) August 10, 2026

Strider carries a 3.86 ERA and 672 strikeouts over 494 career innings, numbers that made him one of the league's most electric arms before his elbow started working against him. Waldrep, a first-round pick out of Florida in 2024, has posted a 4.99 ERA with 67 strikeouts across 74 major league innings.

The Braves are 71-47 and sit comfortably at the top of the National League East with a 7.5-game lead ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. While both starters may not get the opportunity to pitch in the regular season, there is still a chance that either arm could get a chance to feature in Atlanta's postseason roster.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99)Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

If the progressions go smoothly without any setbacks, a late-season return for one or both pitchers isn't out of the question. However, the Braves are being cautious as to not give a date for a return, as they have seen both pitchers fade back into the IL.

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

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