Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss announced that Spencer Strider has completed his minor league rehab assignment. He provided cautious updates on Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep ahead of Tuesday's series opener against the Tigers. Strider could rejoin the rotation soon, while the others face longer timelines.
ATLANTA -- Walt Weiss expressed optimism about Spencer Strider's readiness after the right-hander completed his third and final rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Gwinnett. Strider threw 82 pitches over five-plus innings and said his body feels as good as it has since 2022. His fastball and slider resembled the form that produced a major league-high 483 strikeouts from 2022-23, following recovery from 2024 elbow surgery and a recent spring training oblique strain. “We just need to pick our spot as to when we’re going to put him in there,” Weiss said. “But yeah, his next start will be with us.” Strider could debut Friday at Coors Field or Saturday with extra rest alongside Chris Sale. Weiss remained non-committal on Spencer Schwellenbach, who underwent surgery in February to remove bone spurs from his right elbow after reporting discomfort in spring training. The 25-year-old has not started throwing and missed the final three months of the 2025 season with a fractured elbow, plus Tommy John surgery in 2021. “Any time pitchers go under the knife, there’s concerns,” Weiss said. “I’m hoping we see him some time in the second half. He’s a long ways out.” For Hurston Waldrep, who hit 99 mph in a spring training live batting practice before elbow surgery for loose bodies, Weiss noted a bullpen session early next week. That schedule points to availability in mid-to-late June.
