Strider to make 1st spring start since elbow surgery

The Atlanta Braves announced Sunday that ace Spencer Strider is scheduled to start Monday's spring game versus the Boston Red Sox, according to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Strider will be making his first spring start since having an internal brace inserted to repair the UCL in his right elbow in April 2024, which has a shorter recovery timetable than Tommy John surgery. Some pitchers have come back as early as nine months following the internal brace procedure.

The 26-year-old was originally slated to return around late April but could be back a little sooner than expected if his recovery continues to progress through spring training.

Strider owns a career 3.47 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 13.5 K/9 over four years with Atlanta.

The 2023 All-Star will join a rotation that's also projected to feature reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Grant Holmes.