Braves Expect Spencer Strider Back in May After Oblique Injury

Manager Walt Weiss provides timeline for Strider's return from IL stint

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into overlapping planes of muted earth tones, capturing the fractured motion of the sport.Strider's recovery timeline will test the Braves' rotation depth as they aim to defend their division title.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Braves will be without starting pitcher Spencer Strider for the start of the 2026 season as he recovers from an oblique injury suffered during Spring Training. Manager Walt Weiss said Strider will likely need a rehab assignment and is targeting a return to the rotation in mid-April.

Why it matters

Strider has been a key part of the Braves' starting rotation when healthy, so his absence will be a significant blow as the team looks to defend its division title. The Braves' rotation depth has already been tested this spring with other injuries, making Strider's return all the more important.

The details

Strider was placed on the injured list just days before the start of the regular season after being diagnosed with an oblique strain. Braves manager Walt Weiss said Strider will need a rehab assignment and is targeting a return to the rotation around April 16, which would have him back in early May.

  • Strider was placed on the injured list just before the start of the 2026 regular season.
  • Weiss said Strider will likely need the rest of April to complete his rehab assignment.
  • Strider's target return date is April 16, which would have him back in the rotation in early May.

The players

Walt Weiss

Manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Strider

Right-handed starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is recovering from an oblique injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Walt Weiss said a rehab assignment is next for Strider. He thinks it'll take the rest of the month to get him conditioned. April 16 is the target date for his first start.”

— Harrison Smajovitts, Reporter

What’s next

If Strider's recovery goes as planned, he is expected to make his first start of the 2026 season in mid-April and rejoin the Braves' rotation in early May.

The takeaway

Strider's return will be a major boost for the Braves' rotation depth, which has already been tested this spring. The team will need Strider healthy and productive to defend its division title, as he has been a key part of their starting staff when available.