Strider Out for Four Weeks, Aiming for Late-season Comeback

WHO:

MLB.com - Spencer Strider is a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

MLB.com - Dr. Keith Meister is the surgeon evaluating Strider's elbow.

MLB Trade Rumors - JR Ritchie is the No. 2 Braves prospect filling Strider's rotation spot.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Dr. Keith Meister advised that if Spencer Strider's follow-up MRI is clear, he will be cleared to begin a throwing program, which is expected to take four to six weeks, including multiple Minor League rehab starts.

MLB.com - Strider's best-case scenario for returning to the Braves' rotation is late August, while an early September return is considered more realistic.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider was placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation after allowing seven earned runs, including three home runs, in his last start against the Mets.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider had a 5.31 ERA through eight starts before being placed on the injured list, with a career-worst 12.1% walk rate during this season.

MLB.com - Dr. Keith Meister advised that if Strider's follow-up MRI is clear, he will begin a throwing program, which is expected to take four to six weeks, including multiple Minor League rehab starts.

MLB.com - Strider underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow while playing for Clemson in 2019.

MLB.com - Strider underwent a UCL brace procedure when the same ligament was damaged in 2024.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider's injury was initially labeled as shoulder and elbow soreness.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider had a career-worst 12.1% walk rate through eight starts this season.

MLB.com - Ritchie allowed just two hits and struck out five in his relief appearance against the Mets.

MLB.com - Dr. Keith Meister advised Strider to rest for a month and then undergo another MRI exam.

MLB.com - If the follow-up MRI is clear, Strider will begin a throwing program, which is expected to take four to six weeks, including multiple Minor League rehab starts.

MLB.com - The Braves are considering placing Strider on the 60-day injured list, which would allow them to pursue multiple starting pitchers before the August 3 Trade Deadline.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider allowed seven earned runs, including three home runs, in his last start against the Mets before being placed on the injured list.

MLB.com - If all goes perfectly, a late August return for Strider seems possible, but an early September return might be more realistic.

MLB.com - Strider recorded a MLB-best 483 strikeouts from 2022-23, which were his first two full MLB seasons.

MLB.com - Strider's four-seamer averaged 97.2 mph during the 2023 season, while it averaged 95.5 mph in 2025 and 95.1 mph this season.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider averaged a season-low 93.7 mph on his fastball during his last start against the Mets.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider allowed at least three earned runs in five straight appearances before heading to the IL.

MLB Trade Rumors - Ritchie had just two walks in the relief appearance against the Mets, though he only threw 57.5% of his pitches for strikes.

MLB.com - Strider will not throw for four weeks due to elbow inflammation.

MLB.com - Strider underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage to his right elbow.

MLB.com - If Strider's follow-up MRI is clean, he will begin a throwing program.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider was placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider had a 5.31 ERA through eight starts before being placed on the injured list.

MLB.com - Ritchie has a 3.82 ERA in 30 2/3 innings for Atlanta this year.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The evaluation of Strider's elbow took place in Atlanta.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider was pulled from a game against the Mets.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The follow-up MRI for Strider is scheduled after four weeks of rest.

MLB.com - The Braves' trade deadline is on August 3.

WHY:

MLB.com - Strider's elbow discomfort was the reason for his exit from the game against the Mets.

MLB Trade Rumors - The MRI showed no ligament issues, leading the team to believe surgery is not needed.

HOW:

MLB.com - Strider was evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister, who advised a month of rest followed by another MRI.

MLB Trade Rumors - Strider was pulled from the game after his fastball velocity dropped below 90 mph.

Spencer Strider has been placed on the injured list due to elbow inflammation after a tough outing against the Mets, where he allowed seven earned runs, including three home runs. Dr. Keith Meister has indicated that if Strider's follow-up MRI is clear, he could start a throwing program that would take about four to six weeks, which includes several Minor League rehab starts. The best-case scenario for his return to the Braves' rotation is late August, but an early September return is looking more realistic.