Braves' Strider returns from injury to start Game 3, Morton gets Game 4

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider will make his first start in 26 days in a pivotal Game 3 showdown against the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League Division Series on Friday, the club announced.

Strider, the favorite to win NL Rookie of the Year, last pitched on Sept. 18 because of an oblique injury.

The contest will also mark the first time the 23-year-old will toe the rubber since signing a six-year, $75-million extension.

Strider accrued a 2.67 ERA with 202 strikeouts over 131 2/3 innings (20 starts) in his first campaign with the reigning World Series champions.

Veteran right-hander Charlie Morton will start Game 4 for the Braves.