Strider Impresses in Return, Braves Offense Falls Flat in Loss to Blue Jays

Apr 16, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) throws to first base after the force out on Atlanta Braves left fielder Eli White (36) during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

It’s Wednesday, April 16, 2025, marking 376 days since ace pitcher Spencer Strider last stepped onto the mound for the Atlanta Braves. After over a year of anticipation, patient for some, impatient for others, Braves fans finally saw their star right-hander back in action at Rogers Centre, as Atlanta faced the Toronto Blue Jays in a decisive rubber match.

Dominant Start by Bassitt

Toronto countered with Chris Bassitt, who entered today's matchup boasting a 1-0 record, an impressive 0.98 ERA, and 21 strikeouts to just three walks on the season. Bassitt quickly showed why he's been tough to handle, striking out Michael Harris II, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson in order to set the tone early.

Strider's Strong Return

Spencer Strider stepped onto the mound, throwing a first-pitch strike up-and-in to Toronto’s Bo Bichette. Three pitches later, Bichette was headed back to the dugout. Strider’s velocity appeared strong, consistently hitting 98 mph and showcasing his devastating slider. He followed by striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr., before allowing a harmless double to Anthony Santander, who was stranded.

Early Adversity

The second inning presented Strider with some challenges. After Alejandro Kirk singled and Alan Roden reached on a hit-by-pitch, Strider regrouped quickly with catcher Sean Murphy, navigating the trouble impressively. He ended the threat with a clutch strikeout of Myles Straw to keep the game scoreless.

Braves’ Bats Silent Again

Atlanta's struggles with timely hitting continued. Despite Eli White drawing a leadoff walk and advancing to scoring position in the third inning, the Braves couldn’t capitalize. Michael Harris II and Austin Riley each struck out to end the threat. Bassitt remained dominant through the fourth inning, allowing only one hit and striking out seven Braves hitters to that point.

Blue Jays Strike First

Toronto broke through in the bottom of the third, with Bo Bichette doubling and scoring on an RBI single by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Murphy showcased his defensive prowess soon after, throwing Guerrero out on a stolen base attempt after a successful Braves replay challenge, keeping the deficit at 1-0.

Strider Makes History

Despite allowing a run, Strider continued to impress, recording his first perfect inning of the afternoon in the fourth. In the fifth, Strider etched his name into baseball history, becoming the fastest starting pitcher ever to reach 500 career strikeouts when he punched out Addison Barger.

Braves Missed Opportunities

Atlanta threatened again in the fifth inning, putting runners on second and third after singles by Eli White and Orlando Arcia, followed by a wild pitch. But again, Bassitt escaped trouble, striking out Harris and Riley to end the frame. Bassitt finished his outstanding day with five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out ten.

Guerrero Extends Toronto’s Lead

Toronto extended their lead to 2-0 when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. launched his first home run of the season off Strider in the sixth inning. After walking Anthony Santander, Strider’s day concluded. His final line read five innings pitched, allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts—a solid outing considering his lengthy absence.

Blue Jays Add Insurance

In the seventh inning, Bo Bichette added to Toronto's lead by doubling in Myles Straw, pushing the Blue Jays’ advantage to 3-0.

Braves Offensive Woes Continue

Atlanta’s offense struggled severely, striking out a staggering 19 times and going 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Drake Baldwin provided a small spark with a ninth-inning home run, but it wasn't enough. The Braves finished the game 5-for-32 at the plate, leaving seven runners stranded in a frustrating 3-1 loss.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Spencer Strider’s return was encouraging. His velocity looked sharp, and his command was generally solid, despite minor issues with his developing changeup. The Braves, however, must find a way to provide better run support moving forward. Strider’s next start, his first at Truist Park since returning from injury, will certainly be an emotional and eagerly awaited homecoming.