Braves get 'pessimistic' Spencer Strider update amid lengthy injury absence

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Braves get 'pessimistic' Spencer Strider update amid lengthy injury absence originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves might be atop the NL East, but the Philadelphia Phillies aren't far enough back to feel confident in their lead. Atlanta really needs to create some more distance this season.

However, they're going to have to do so without a few key pitchers. While Chris Sale is still pitching great, the Braves are without Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach, both of whom would be huge contributors right now if they were healthy.

Strider's absence is the more worrying of the two, and according to an update from USA Today's Bob Nightengale, which revealed that Braves officials are "pessimistic" about Strider's chances to pitch again this season, this injury situation is very concerning.

Braves officials are 'pessimistic' Spencer Strider will pitch again this season​

"Atlanta officials are pessimistic that prized starter Spencer Strider will return this season," Nightengale writes.

This is a worrying update from Nightengale, as the Braves right-hander, who last pitched on June 12, might not be back for the team this season at all.

He's dealing with elbow inflammation, and there hasn't been any confirmation that he'll be done for the season. But, this update doesn't exactly bode well for his return.

This season, before this elbow injury has knocked him out for a long time already, Strider has a 5.31 ERA in eight starts with a 4-2 record and -0.1 bWAR.

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After his 20-win 2023 season, Strider has struggled to stay healthy and effective. He's posted a 4.78 ERA in 33 starts since the start of the 2024 season.

But, even though he's not been playing at a high level recently, he's still a huge part of the team, and his absence is a huge loss for the Braves.

Unfortunately, his absence from the Braves' rotation this season might last a while longer. Braves officials are pessimistic that Strider will return this season, which is a worrying sign for the Braves and their rotation.

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