Spencer Strider Slams Performance in Return to Braves Rotation as ‘Not Acceptable’

Strider labored through 4.1 innings, surrendering six hits, four earned runs, one walk, and three strikeouts on 75 pitches (46 strikes). A three-run Nationals rally in the bottom of the second — just moments after Atlanta had taken a 3–0 lead — proved pivotal.

“Hate to see the guys come back, put a three-spot up there and then go out and immediately give up the lead,” Strider added. “That’s just one of those things you never want to do.”

The outing marked a step back from Strider’s season debut last month, when he showed glimpses of his All-Star form in a five-inning effort against Toronto, allowing just two runs while striking out five.

Still, Braves manager Brian Snitker urgedx patience.

“He’s got to start somewhere,” Snitker said postgame. “The more he throws, the better he’s going to get. As long as he’s healthy and makes his next start, I think it’s going to continue to get better.”

It’s not just the results that bother Strider — it’s the principle. Even with Atlanta trailing by just one when he left the game, the 26-year-old viewed the performance as a letdown to a roster that made room for his return by optioning lefty Dylan Dodd.

“We sent a pretty good guy down that was supposed to pitch in my spot, so that’s not lost on me,” Strider said. “If I can’t be better, I don’t need to be out there.”

That mentality is part of what’s fueled Strider’s meteoric rise since being drafted out of Clemson in the fourth round in 2020. He was the NL’s strikeout king and win leader in 2023, finishing fourth in Cy Young voting with a 20–5 record and 281 strikeouts.

Now, after enduring a season-ending elbow surgery last year, the road back is underway — but Strider isn’t in the mood for silver linings.

“I take no joy in not giving us a chance,” he said. “If I don’t feel like I can provide for the team, then I don’t take much pleasure in losing games for us.”