Braves Expect Strider Back 'Sooner Rather Than Later'

Strider is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade 1 left oblique strain.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:39pm

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp overlapping planes in vibrant colors like navy, crimson, and gold, conceptually representing the dynamism and energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the dynamism and energy of the game, reflecting the Braves' hope for a speedy recovery for Spencer Strider.Albany Today

The Atlanta Braves expect starting pitcher Spencer Strider to return from his current 15-day injured list stint with a Grade 1 left oblique strain 'sooner rather than later,' according to Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos. Strider's injury is not as severe as the one suffered by catcher Sean Murphy in 2024, which kept him out for nearly two months.

Why it matters

The Braves' starting rotation has been hit hard by injuries in the early going, with Strider joining several other pitchers on the injured list. Getting Strider back healthy and productive will be crucial for the Braves as they look to defend their NL East title.

The details

Strider was placed on the 15-day injured list with the Grade 1 left oblique strain prior to Opening Day. Anthopoulos said Strider did not experience the same debilitating symptoms that Murphy had with his oblique injury in 2024, indicating Strider's recovery timeline could be shorter. Strider has dealt with various injury issues over the past couple of seasons, including a torn UCL that cost him most of 2024 and a hamstring strain that sidelined him for over a month in 2025.

  • Strider's current IL stint was made retroactive to March 22, making him eligible to return as early as April 6.

The players

Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves' starting pitcher who is currently on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 1 left oblique strain.

Sean Murphy

The Atlanta Braves' catcher who suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain in 2024 and missed nearly two months.

Alex Anthopoulos

The president of baseball operations for the Atlanta Braves.

Chris Sale

One of the Atlanta Braves' starting pitchers who spent significant time on the injured list in 2025.

Reynaldo López

One of the Atlanta Braves' starting pitchers who spent significant time on the injured list in 2025.

Grant Holmes

One of the Atlanta Braves' starting pitchers who spent significant time on the injured list in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“'Strider didn't have any of those symptoms at all. It was mild, and I think it will be sooner rather than later that you see him back.'”

— Alex Anthopoulos, President of Baseball Operations, Atlanta Braves

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor Strider's recovery and progress, with the hope that he can return to the rotation in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Strider's relatively mild oblique injury is a relief for the Braves, who have been dealing with a rash of injuries to their starting pitching staff. Getting Strider back healthy and productive will be crucial as the Braves look to defend their NL East title.