Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will begin his rehabilitation assignment on Thursday with a to-be-determined minor league affiliate, throwing 40-45 pitches. The right-hander has not pitched since suffering left oblique discomfort on March 17 during minor league spring training. The Braves aim for his return to the starting rotation in early May.
Strider's injury surfaced after a minor league spring training outing on March 17, with the Braves announcing it on March 23. At that time, team officials described it as less severe than a typical oblique strain. On March 29, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos stated, “I think it will be sooner rather than later that you see him back. Strider is expected to make about three rehab starts before activation from the injured list next month, potentially rejoining the rotation for series against the Rockies from May 1-3 or Mariners from May 4-6. He’s on the right path, Braves manager Walt Weiss said. But with starters, it takes time. We’ve got to build him back up now. So, that’s probably going to take the rest of the month. Strider advanced in his recovery on Saturday, throwing live batting practice at Truist Park. His fastball reached 95 mph several times, and he showed command of his secondary pitches. All signs are pointing in the right direction, Weiss added.
