Braves' Spencer Strider Avoids Surgery After MRI Shows No Ligament Damage

The Atlanta Braves received encouraging news regarding right-hander Spencer Strider after an MRI revealed no ligament damage in his throwing elbow. The 24-year-old pitcher was placed on the injured list over the weekend due to elbow inflammation following his start against the New York Mets on Friday. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the team does not expect Strider to require surgery and will continue to monitor his progress.

Strider was removed from the game in the fourth inning after allowing seven earned runs and three home runs to the Mets. His fastball velocity dropped to a season-low 93.7 mph, raising concerns about his physical condition. Initially diagnosed with shoulder and elbow soreness, Strider will meet with Dr. Keith Meister on Monday for further evaluation. Meister performed an internal brace procedure on Strider’s UCL in 2024 and also performed Tommy John surgery on the pitcher in 2019 during his college career.

The Braves were already dealing with a delayed start for Strider due to an oblique injury during spring training. He returned in early May and made eight starts, posting a 5.31 ERA. Over his last five outings before landing on the IL, Strider allowed at least three earned runs in each game. While his strikeout rate remained strong, 27.9% of batters whiffed, he also walked 12.1% of opposing hitters, a career high.

With Strider sidelined, JR Ritchie received an opportunity to pitch out of the bullpen after being removed from the starting rotation. The 22-year-old hurler turned in one of the best performances of his young career, throwing five scoreless innings against the Mets. Prior to that appearance, Ritchie struggled in five starts with the Braves, posting a 4.56 ERA and walking 16 batters over 25 2/3 innings. In his relief outing, he walked just two batters but threw only 57.5% of his pitches for strikes.

Strider’s recovery timeline remains to be determined following his meeting with Dr. Meister. The Braves will continue to manage his workload carefully given his injury history. Atlanta will look to maintain its competitiveness in the NL East while Strider is sidelined, with Ritchie potentially finding a role in the rotation or bullpen. The team’s next decision on Strider is expected shortly after Monday’s evaluation.