Braves’ Spencer Strider reveals his ‘goal’ in injury rehab starts

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider is working his way back from an oblique strain. On Thursday, he took a giant step towards that return by making his first rehab assignment start.

Pitching for High-A Rome, Strider threw 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out three. Beyond his stat line though, Strider has a clear goal in mind throughout his rehab assignment, via Gavin Booker of the Rome Emperors.

“The goal with these things is to try to get to the pitch count and build back up the stamina,” Strider said. “That’s goal number one and that’s what we did.”

Spencer Strider’s full media availability following tonight’s start with the @GoEmperors.

His final line: 3.1IP, H, 2BB, 3SO, 50P-27S pic.twitter.com/3KDoJjDmp9

— Gavin Booker (@GavinBookerPxP) April 17, 2026

Strider managed to throw 50 pitches during the outing, which is a good sign to start off with. The Braves will be monitoring him closely throughout his rehab assignment before deciding when he should return to the majors. But based on Strider’s injury history, Atlanta will be cautious.

The right-hander appeared in just two games during the 2024 season after undergoing UCL surgery. While Strider isn’t currently dealing with an injury to his elbow, the last thing Atlanta wants is a setback.

After returning to the mound in 2025, the Braves starter pitched to a 4.45 ERA and a 131/51 K/BB ratio. It was a far cry from his All-Star season in 2023, when Strider held a 3.86 ERA and a 281/58 K/BB ratio. Or the year prior when he had a 2.67 ERA and 202/45 K/BB ratio.

Still, the Braves are well aware of what Strider brings to the diamond when fully healthy. The keyword there is when, as Atlanta is still waiting for the all clear. But if things continue to go well on his rehab assignment, Strider is on the path to making his major league return.

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