Braves get best possible news on Spencer Strider injury

I’ve said this from the beginning — this news is more about Strider’s career than it is about the Braves’ outlook in 2026. Another elbow surgery would have been his third, following Tommy John surgery in college and InternalBrace surgery just a couple of years ago. This very easily could have been a career-ending ordeal had his MRI shown something different.

As far as the 2026 campaign goes, not much changes. Strider hasn’t been pitching well — he’s been an average starter since returning last season, posting a 4.66 ERA over his last 31 starts. That’s easily replaceable with what the Braves already have in-house, and just because he might be able to return at some point this year doesn’t mean the team should be expecting anything meaningful from him.

Strider has a lot of work left to do before he’s an impact pitcher for the Braves again. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if they try him out of the bullpen when he does return.