Strider Closing In on Return, Could Start Wednesday in Toronto

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the 2024 Opening Day game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 29, 2024 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

Good news keeps rolling in for the Braves. Spencer Strider is on track and getting closer to making his long-awaited return to the big league rotation.

Per The Athletic’s David O’Brien, Strider is set to throw a bullpen session on Sunday in Tampa. Assuming all goes well, he’ll travel with the team to Toronto. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the current plan seems to have Spencer Schwellenbach starting Tuesday on regular rest, with Strider potentially slotted in for Wednesday’s game against the Blue Jays.

That timeline makes perfect sense after what Strider showed in his latest rehab start. On Thursday, he absolutely carved through the Norfolk Tides in what looks to be his final tune-up outing for Gwinnett. Strider struck out 13 batters in just 5.1 innings of work, allowing only one run on three hits. His velocity hovered around 96-97 mph, and he had full command of his arsenal, mixing in sharp off-speed stuff with ease.

He looked dominant from the first pitch, striking out six before giving up a hit, then responding by punching out the side to bring his total to nine through three innings. Even as the outing stretched into the fifth, Strider kept his foot on the gas, finishing with 13 punch-outs, tying Gwinnett’s all-time single-game record.

If Sunday’s bullpen session goes smoothly, there’s every reason to believe Strider will be back in a Braves uniform next week.

Atlanta is starting to show signs of life, and the return of their ace might be just what this club needs to turn the corner. His presence alone brings energy, but the stuff? That’s the difference-maker. We’re not far off now.