Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Braves' rotation takes another hit with Spencer Strider injury

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 11:12 AM ET

An already injured starting rotation for the Atlanta Braves took another major blow Monday, just four days before their first game of the season.

Spencer Strider headed to the IL

According to Braves reporter Mark Bowman, former 20-game winner Spencer Strider will begin the 2026 season on the injured list with an oblique injury.

Strider was scheduled to pitch in his final game of the spring on Monday. According to Bowman, Strider was slated to get the ball in Sunday's opening series finale against the Kansas City Royals.

Strider will start the season on the IL with an oblique strain
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 23, 2026

Atlanta already has rotation issues

Strider will join Atlanta starters Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Schwellenbach on the injured list to begin the season. Waldrep and Schwellenbach are each on the 60-day IL with elbow injuries.

The injury to Strider makes three of the Braves five expected starters on the shelf to begin the season. A rotation that was injury bitten all of last season is already suffering the same fate this season.

Who can the Braves turn to and rely on?

Atlanta now has just three for-sure starters in the rotation: Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Grant Holmes. After that, the rotation is a bit of a question mark.

Other options will include Bryce Elder, Jose Suarez and others. One name to watch will be 2022 first-round pick JR Ritchie.

Whatever options Atlanta manager Walt Weiss decides to roll with, they'll have a tough task to keep the Braves in playoff contention before their starters return from injuries.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

More must-reads: