Braves' Walt Weiss Announces Spencer Strider Update Before Athletics Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 6:37 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves pitching staff continues to deal with injuries, an issue that derailed their 2025 season and has already resurfaced this year. The latest setback came when right‑hander Spencer Strider landed on the 15-day injured list with an oblique injury just before Opening Day.

The only positive for Strider is that the issue is not related to his right arm. Two of Atlanta’s brightest young starters, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, both underwent procedures on their right elbows, so avoiding that outcome is at least some relief.

Still, Strider’s absence has forced Atlanta to lean on aging veterans again, making his eventual return extremely important.

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (99)© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Fortunately for the Braves, it appears Strider is not far from beginning a rehab assignment, though there is still no timetable for when that will happen. Manager Walt Weiss announced before Monday's game at home against the Athletics that Strider will remain with the team on the upcoming road trip.

He will also continue throwing live bullpens (h/t Barrett Sallee of Atlanta Braves Radio Network). Strider staying on the mound is a clear sign the Braves are playing it safe while still allowing him to progress. His ability to keep throwing is encouraging, especially given how much Atlanta needs him back in the rotation.

Braves manager Walt Weiss says that P Spencer Strider will likely go on the road trip to keep throwing bullpens. Catcher Sean Murphy will have “something going on in Rome” on Wednesday (live BP or game or whatever)
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) March 30, 2026

When Strider does return, this season becomes a pivotal one for him. The 27‑year‑old struggled in his first year back from Tommy John surgery in 2025, and his velocity saw a noticeable drop, which was particularly concerning given that his four-seam fastball is his signature pitch.

Strider posted a career-high 4.45 ERA last season across 23 appearances. The Braves need him to come closer to his 2023 form, when he earned an All-Star selection and struck out an MLB-best 281 batters in 186 2/3 innings.

Strider is still signed to his six-year $75 million extension through the 2028 season, giving him time to regain his previous level. He has spent his entire professional career with Atlanta since being selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

If Strider can regain his form and rebuild his velocity, he has a chance to stabilize a rotation that desperately needs him and reshape the outlook of Atlanta’s season.

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

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