Braves make hugely disappointing Spencer Strider injury move

The Atlanta Braves absorbed an injury setback Saturday, placing Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation after a concerning start vs. the New York Mets Friday night.

Strider’s latest setback gives Atlanta another rotation problem. The move brings long-term concern because of his elbow history.

The Braves announced the moves Saturday morning on their official X account, formerly Twitter, after the 2023 MLB All-Star exited Friday’s series opener at Citi Field following a velocity drop and rough fourth inning.

“The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett.”

The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 13, 2026

The timing makes the decision more troubling. Strider’s fastball dipped into the 87-to-89 mph range during the fourth, sitting well below the mid-90s velocity that usually defines his arsenal.

The velocity drop raised concern as the Mets added damage. Strider allowed seven earned runs, including a grand slam to Bo Bichette, before the Braves removed him.

Manager Walt Weiss, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, and trainer George Poulis visited Strider after a six-pitch walk. Moments later, Atlanta ended his night and turned to the bullpen.

The diagnosis shifted concern from general soreness to right elbow inflammation. For the right-hander, that wording is significant given his surgical background.

He previously underwent Tommy John surgery at Clemson in 2019. He later required an internal brace repair on his right UCL in April 2024, making any elbow issue difficult to dismiss.

The club now must wait for further testing while hoping the diagnosis does not become season-altering. The Braves are managing Ronald Acuna Jr.’s hamstring injury, thinning a core built for a championship push.

For now, Anthony Molina gives Atlanta a fresh arm, while Drake Baldwin’s rehab offers encouragement. Still, Strider’s move to the IL defines the day and leaves the Braves searching for rotation answers.

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