Braves predicted to part ways with $6M starter as Spencer Strider begins rehab assignment

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Braves predicted to part ways with $6M starter as Spencer Strider begins rehab assignment originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves were faced with another difficult situation after losing a starting pitcher right before the season began in Spencer Strider.

“In the latest blow to the Atlanta Braves' starting rotation, right-hander Spencer Strider will begin the season on the injured list after being diagnosed with an oblique strain, manager Walt Weiss told reporters Monday. Strider had been scheduled to start in Monday's spring training finale against Pittsburgh before being scratched,” ESPN wrote.

Strider is a key piece of the Braves’ rotation, and fortunately for them, he is about to begin his rehab assignment.

“The Atlanta Braves opt for the expected move regarding Spencer Strider’s rehab assignment. Manager Walt Weiss said on Tuesday that he will join catcher Sean Murphy in High-A Rome. The plan is for Murphy to catch him during his start. He’s still scheduled for his rehab assignment to begin on Thursday. The aim is for him to throw between 45 and 50 pitches. Weiss said that if Strider is efficient, then he could have the chance to pitch into the fourth inning of the game,” SI’s Harrison Smajovitts wrote.

With Strider set to make his season debut in the coming weeks, the Braves could move on from starter José Suárez.

“As of April 14th, Suarez has an 8.64 ERA through 8.1 innings with four walks and 11 strikeouts. The ERA is rough, but his walk and strikeout numbers are respectable. But the main concern lies in his extremely high BABIP of .577 and 1.99 FIP. A high BABIP for a pitcher is usually indicative of very bad luck or extremely poor pitching. For Suarez, it has been the latter. He's not a very dependable option for Walt Weiss to go to at this point. Suarez was important during the first two weeks because he could cover multiple innings, but now that they are on the other side of it, he's not needed. Atlanta can now do the bullpen shuffle when they need fresh arms,” HTHB’s Steven Teal wrote.

The Braves are beginning to see their pitching staff get healthier, something they have struggled to maintain over the past few seasons. Strider is looking to bounce back with a strong year.

Suarez has made $6 million throughout his career and will likely be placed on waivers soon. Even beyond Strider’s return, Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie are currently performing well in Triple-A.

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