Braves Ace Spencer Strider Hits Injured List Again with Hamstring Strain

ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Braves have placed right-hander Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right hamstring. The move is retroactive to April 18, and the team has recalled right-hander Michael Petersen from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill Strider’s spot on the roster.

Strider’s injury, reportedly sustained while playing catch, comes as disappointing news for the Braves, who are struggling with an 8-13 record this season. Strider, 26, had just returned from an internal brace surgery for a UCL injury that kept him out for the entirety of the 2024 season. He logged five innings in his first start of 2025, allowing two runs on five hits against the Blue Jays.

“It’s tough to see him back on the injured list so soon after his return,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “We’re hopeful this doesn’t turn out to be a long-term issue, but we have to be cautious.”

In last week’s game against the Blue Jays, Strider struck out five batters along with one walk. His performance suggested that he was regaining his top form, as he had previously posted an impressive 3.86 ERA and led the league with 281 strikeouts in 2023.

The Braves have faced even more challenges this season, as they are also without fellow right-hander Reynaldo López, who is recovering from shoulder surgery. With Strider sidelined, the team will need to shuffle their rotation quickly. Right-hander Bryce Elder is anticipated to start in Strider’s place in the series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, with Kyle Wright slated to follow. However, Wright might need to pitch on short rest if they adjust the rotation.

Petersen was called up after performing well in the minors, where he threw 5 2/3 innings last Friday. His recall underscores the depth challenges the Braves are currently facing.

“Honestly, we have to think on our feet right now,” Snitker added. “Every pitcher available is going to be crucial to us in this stretch.”

Braves fans have expressed their frustrations over the string of injuries affecting the team early this season, particularly in light of Strider’s potential to stabilize the rotation. The team is looking to bounce back after recently sweeping the Minnesota Twins, but they will need to navigate the next few weeks without their ace.

Strider, who emerged as a leading candidate for the National League Cy Young award last year, is noted for his ability to dominate when on the mound, leaving many to speculate about the impact of his absence on the Braves’ efforts moving forward. “It’s frustrating to see our best pitchers go down with injuries. We just want to see them on the field,” said a longtime Braves fan.

As the Braves prepare for their upcoming series against the Cardinals, they are hoping for a quick recovery for Strider and a return to form that the pitching staff desperately needs.