Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will miss at least four weeks of action, the team announced on Monday, after tests revealed inflammation in his right elbow. The shutdown comes after Strider had to exit the series opener against the New York Mets prematurely over the weekend.
The Braves said that a throwing rehab timeline has been established following a visit to Dr. Keither Mesiter.
“Following a consultation with Dr. Keith Meister today, RHP Spencer Strider will be shut down from throwing for four weeks and then undergo a follow-up MRI. Provided that scan is clear, he will then begin a throwing progression,” the announcement on their socials read.
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During his start on Friday, Strider suffered a massive loss in his fastball velocity. His usual 96 mph average fastball dipped to the late 80s by the fourth inning. He allowed seven runs on six hits and a walk in 3.0 innings pitched. He walked MJ Melendez in the fourth, before the trainers checked on him.
Before the start, Strider had a 4.00 ERA in seven starts this season. While not at his best, his supporting hand has been key to the Braves’ rotation, which has a 3.61 ERA. JR Ritchie, who relieved Strider against the Mets, is expected to get the 27-year-old’s rotation spot.
MLB writer lists probable starting pitching trades for Braves
With the best record in baseball, the Braves will look to not let up any steam that has propelled them to the top. An injury to Strider that will keep him out until after the All-Star break will make the management look at some options from rest of the league.
According to The Athletic’s Jesus Cano, the Braves going after two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal could be a bit of a stretch, but the team has a catalogue of options to choose from currently.
“In an attempt to retain control of the division, the Braves could use prospect capital to go after experienced pitchers. Tarik Skubal, likely MLB’s most sought-after arm, might be out of their budget,” he wrote in his article on Monday.
“But one of a group that includes Boston Red Sox veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan and Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers would be a strong mid-rotation addition to a mix that includes Grant Holmes and Martín Pérez.”
In a subsequent update, Drake Baldwin returned to the plate for his first rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. The catcher who hit .303 with 13 home runs, 38 RBIs and a .932 OPS this season before his injury on May 19 homered in the game.
Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy
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