Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider Placed on Injured List

Strider to miss start of season with strained oblique

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:53am

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The Atlanta Braves have announced that right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider will begin the 2026 season on the injured list due to a strained oblique. Strider, who was an All-Star in 2023, had been scheduled to start the Braves' spring training finale before being scratched because of the injury.

Why it matters

Strider's injury is a setback for the Braves' pitching staff, which has already seen other starters placed on the injured list following elbow surgery. The team is hoping Strider will only miss a couple of weeks, but any extended absence could impact their starting rotation to begin the season.

The details

Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters that the team is hopeful Strider will only miss a couple of weeks due to the strained oblique. The 27-year-old right-hander is looking to build on his strong 2023 season, when he led the majors with 20 wins and 281 strikeouts. Strider went 2-0 with a 3.24 ERA in 8 1/3 innings of work during spring training this year.

  • Strider was scheduled to start the Braves' spring training finale on March 24, 2026 before being scratched due to the injury.
  • The Braves announced on March 24, 2026 that Strider will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

The players

Spencer Strider

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is aiming to build on his strong 2023 season, when he led the majors in wins and strikeouts.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

“We are hopeful Strider will only miss a couple of weeks.”

— Walt Weiss, Braves Manager

What’s next

The Braves will monitor Strider's recovery and hope to have him back in the starting rotation within a couple of weeks.

The takeaway

Strider's injury is a setback for the Braves, who are already dealing with other pitching injuries to start the season. However, the team is optimistic that Strider will only miss a short period of time and can return to anchor their starting rotation once healthy.