Spencer Strider has ‘damage’ in right elbow in Braves nightmare
The Braves’ starting rotation took a big hit on Saturday.
All-Star Spencer Strider underwent an MRI exam Saturday that showed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in the righty’s pitching elbow, the team announced.
The Braves also said Strider will be further evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas.
“You hate that,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “You hate it for him. I feel really bad for him. I mean, the kid does everything right. Loves to compete. … We’ll just wait and see what they decide to do. … I’m sure they’ll have something in a few days.”
Snitker acknowledged he braced for bad news from Saturday’s MRI exam.
“You never expect these things to be good or just a blip on the screen,” Snitker said, adding UCL injuries that often lead to season-ending Tommy John surgery are a problem across baseball.
Worry rushed over the team on Friday after last year’s MLB leader in wins (20) and strikeouts (281) left his start early as he dealt with discomfort in the right elbow in the Braves’ home-opening extra innings victory over the Diamondbacks.
Strider, 25, only lasted four innings, allowing five runs, including a home run, on seven hits and three walks while recording four strikeouts.
“I thought it was just one of those nights,” said Snitker after the win about Strider. “Then he came in and was complaining about his elbow. … He was uncomfortable with how it was feeling.”
That was only the eighth time Strider had to call it quits after four innings in his 54 big league starts.
It was also the sixth time he failed to tally at least five strikeouts during a start.
Whether it’s a short-term or long-term absence, it’s a big hole to fill for the Braves, who are at the top of the National League East after a 5-2 start.
This comes on the heels of the news that Cleveland Guardians ace Shane Bieber needs season-ending Tommy John surgery.
“They’re throwing harder than ever and spinning the ball more than ever,” Snitker said, adding Strider’s long-term prospects remain bright.
“The good news is he’ll get whatever it is fixed and come back and have a really good career,” Snitker said.
Strider only started in two games, including Opening Day against the Phillies, when he threw 90 pitches across five innings, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks.
Last season, he finished fourth in the NL Cy Young Award voting after holding a 20-5 record with a 3.86 ERA.