After Spencer Strider had to return to the injured list with a hamstring issue shortly after his comeback, the Atlanta Braves have taken a cautious approach with him and are intentionally keeping expectations in check.
While there have been periodic updates on his rehab, they are typically accompanied by phrases like “if he responds well” or “we’ll see how he feels” before outlining any plans. That pattern continued with the latest update, though there are encouraging signs.
On Saturday, it was announced that Strider would throw another bullpen session. Along with his own comment that he was feeling great, this gave fans hope he might return to action as early as this week. That possibility is still alive, but a return to the rotation without a rehab stint remains uncertain.
Strider felt good again yesterday and he believes he would be ready to start a game for Atlanta this week. The team hasn’t decided whether he’ll be activated this week.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 11, 2025
Spencer Strider thinks he is ready to return, but the Braves are not so sure
Strider is certainly saying all the right things. He says he’s feeling fully healthy and mentioned Sunday that getting PRP injections soon after the injury likely helped speed up his recovery. On the surface, a quick return to the mound appears possible—if not probable—but several factors must be weighed.
With no scheduled off days until May 19, using a six-man rotation that includes Strider sounds ideal. Still, that could strain the Braves’ bullpen if Strider isn’t able to go deep into games. Cutting Rafael Montero is an option, but the team might prefer giving Strider a rehab outing or a bit more time to recover, which could also help them sort out their roster.
Ultimately, the consensus is clear: the Braves need to do whatever will keep Strider healthy long-term. If that means giving him an extra week or sending him on a rehab assignment, so be it. While fans may be frustrated by a longer absence, that’s far better than risking a setback that could sideline him for much longer.
Be the first to comment