Braves RHP Spencer Strider to start season on IL

Strider dealing with oblique strain, will miss Opening Day start

Mar. 23, 2026 at 9:10pm

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Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to an oblique strain. Strider, a former All-Star, was scratched from his scheduled spring training start on Monday and is expected to miss the start of the regular season.

Why it matters

Strider's injury is a significant blow to the Braves' pitching staff, which is already dealing with several other injuries. As one of the team's top starters, his absence will put more pressure on the rest of the rotation to step up early in the season.

The details

Strider, 27, was 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in three spring training appearances before suffering the oblique injury. He is coming off an uneven 2025 season after missing most of 2024 following Tommy John surgery, finishing 7-14 with a 4.45 ERA. In 2023, Strider was an All-Star and finished fourth in the Cy Young voting after leading the majors in wins (20-5) and strikeouts (281).

  • Strider was scratched from his scheduled spring training start on Monday, March 23, 2026.
  • The Braves open the 2026 season on Friday against the Kansas City Royals.

The players

Spencer Strider

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who will start the 2026 season on the injured list due to an oblique strain.

Chris Sale

A nine-time All-Star left-handed pitcher who will be the Braves' Opening Day starter in 2026.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Strider's injury highlights the importance of depth in a pitching rotation, as the Braves will need other starters to step up in his absence early in the season.