Saturday afternoon’s news surrounding the Atlanta Braves will likely be all about starting pitcher Spencer Strider.
In Friday night’s loss to the New York Mets, Spencer Strider had to be removed from the game with right arm soreness, but it was apparent in the game that his velocity was down quite a few notches, and that’s never a good sign for a starter, especially one like Strider, who has endured severe elbow injuries in his career.
The designation of ‘right arm soreness’ is clearly just a placeholder for a clearer injury diagnosis in the coming days, but this could be bad news for Spencer Strider. In Friday’s loss, Strider gave up six earned runs over a handful of innings. He had to miss the beginning of the season, dealing with an oblique problem.
Update: Per a team announcement from the Braves:
“The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett.”
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Social Media Reacts to Spencer Strider Injury in Braves-Mets Game
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 12: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch during the first inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on June 12, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
It’s unfortunate to say, but the downtick in velocity can sometimes be a clear sign for pitchers that their elbow may have snapped. It’s something to monitor, but don’t believe me in thinking it’s a potentially severe injury? Here are some reactions via X across Braves Country:
@nuggetchef wrote: “Spencer Strider 4-seam velocity by inning tonight: 1st inning: 95.7 mph 2nd inning: 93.9 mph 3rd inning: 92.4 mph 4th inning: 88.7 mph He final five 4-seamers thrown: 92.5, 90.7, 88.8, 89.6, 87.8”
The Atlanta Braves still hold the best record in MLB, but they have lost three straight games for perhaps the first time this season.
Spencer Strider’s MLB Career So Far
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 15: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Spencer Strider is still just 27, but injuries are starting to pile. He earned a right to the MLB All-Star game in 2023, and finished that season with 280+ strikeouts, but Tommy John Surgery limited Strider to just nine innings in 2024.
In 2025, Strider eventually returned to the mound after his TJS rehab, and he posted a 4.45 ERA over 125+ innings with 131, leading many Braves fans to become optimistic about his 2026 season.
However, this injury news could end up being a big setback in his MLB career. Strider signed a six-year, $75 million extension before 2023, and the Braves saw some early returns on that deal.
In 2026, Strider holds an ERA of 5.31 with a WHIP of 1.30+.
There will certainly be more to come on this Strider injury development, but for now, the best thing the Braves can hope for is a minimal IL stint.
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