Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider's Spring Training Update Excites Fans

Strider's latest outing shows return of velocity and swing-and-miss stuff, boosting hopes for his 2026 season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider's latest spring training appearance against the Toronto Blue Jays has generated optimism among fans. Strider, a former National League strikeout and wins leader, displayed increased velocity on his fastball and sharp movement on his slider, suggesting he is regaining the dominant form that made him one of baseball's most electric starters in 2023.

Why it matters

Strider's return to peak performance is crucial for the Braves' rotation outlook in 2026, as the team has carefully managed his workload and recovery from injury concerns. His ability to recapture his trademark power stuff will be a major boost for the Braves as they aim to contend for another division title and deep playoff run.

The details

In his latest outing, Strider consistently worked in the 95-96 mph range with his fastball and paired it with a slider that produced a 41.7% whiff rate. While he did surrender a two-run double, the overall performance generated optimism across Braves Country, with fans believing the former ace could soon regain his dominant form.

  • Strider's latest spring training outing took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The players

Spencer Strider

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, who was the National League strikeout and wins leader in 2023 before dealing with injury concerns and a carefully managed workload.

Addison Barger

A player for the Toronto Blue Jays who hit a two-run double off Strider in the fifth inning of the spring training game.

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What they’re saying

“Strider touched 96.7 mph twice and his four-seamer averaged 95 mph. The good news is his late-life, gitty up was still there. IVB was 17 inches (18.4 in 2023). He didn't finish the fifth, but he had two Ks in a perfect sixth. Got a whiff with 5/12 swings vs. slider.”

— Mark Bowman, MLB.com reporter (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor Strider's progress throughout the remainder of spring training as they work to build him back up to his dominant 2023 form.

The takeaway

Strider's resurgence in velocity and swing-and-miss stuff during his latest spring training outing is a promising sign for the Braves, who are counting on the former ace to anchor their rotation in 2026 as they aim to contend for another division title and deep playoff run.