The Atlanta Braves are poised to receive a major boost to their starting rotation, with electric right-hander Spencer Strider expected to be activated from the injured list on Tuesday, May 20. This move marks a significant shift in the team’s pitching plans and provides clarity on the rotation’s structure moving forward.
The development follows the club’s decision to option Bryce Elder to Triple-A earlier in the weekend. Elder, a 2023 All-Star, has struggled to find consistency this season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 4.92 FIP across eight starts. His demotion, while not surprising given his performance, created an immediate vacancy in the rotation.
Initially, the logical replacement appeared to be Dylan Dodd, the left-hander who was recently recalled and has previous experience as a starter in the majors. However, Dodd has been working exclusively out of the bullpen at the Triple-A level this year, and the Braves have confirmed that Strider, not Dodd, will fill the open rotation slot, per a report from Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Strider’s return comes after a challenging road back to health. The 26-year-old fireballer missed nearly all of last season following internal brace surgery on his UCL, a procedure often viewed as an alternative to Tommy John surgery. After making a promising return in April—pitching five innings of one-run ball with five strikeouts—Strider suffered a setback, injuring his hamstring during a routine game of catch.
Rather than risk aggravating the injury, Atlanta took a cautious approach, placing Strider back on the IL. With his recovery now complete, the Braves are eager to reintegrate one of their most dynamic arms into the mix.
Strider’s return is not only a major upgrade in talent but also a stabilizing force in a rotation that has seen significant turnover. With Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Grant Holmes holding down the other spots, Strider’s presence adds depth, experience, and strikeout power.
The Braves, sitting in contention in the NL East, will be counting on Strider to reestablish his dominant form and provide quality innings down the stretch. If healthy, he has the potential to be a game-changer for Atlanta as they navigate the summer months and set their sights on October.
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