Braves Finalize Plans for Spencer Strider's Rehab Assignment

Strider to join catcher Sean Murphy in High-A Rome for rehab work

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:26pm

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The Atlanta Braves have finalized plans for pitcher Spencer Strider's rehab assignment, with Strider set to join catcher Sean Murphy at the team's High-A affiliate in Rome, Georgia. Strider, who is recovering from an oblique strain, is expected to throw between 45-50 pitches in his first rehab start on Thursday, with the possibility of pitching into the fourth inning if efficient. The Braves plan for multiple rehab starts for Strider over the remainder of the month to help him regain his form.

Why it matters

Strider's return from injury is crucial for the Braves as they look to defend their NL East title. The young right-hander was a key part of their rotation in 2025 despite some inconsistency, and the team is hoping he can regain his dominant form to bolster their pitching staff.

The details

Braves manager Walt Weiss stated that Strider will join catcher Sean Murphy in High-A Rome to begin his rehab assignment on Thursday. Strider is expected to throw between 45-50 pitches in that first outing, with the possibility of pitching into the fourth inning if he is efficient. The team plans for Strider to make multiple rehab starts over the remainder of the month to help him get fully conditioned before rejoining the major league roster.

  • Strider's rehab assignment is set to begin on Thursday, April 17, 2026.
  • Strider threw three simulated innings at Truist Park earlier this week in preparation for the rehab assignment.
  • Strider was originally set to make his final spring training start on Monday, March 23, 2026, but was scratched due to the oblique injury.

The players

Spencer Strider

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is recovering from an oblique strain suffered in spring training. Strider is looking to regain his form after struggling with injuries the past two seasons.

Sean Murphy

The Braves' starting catcher who will catch Strider during his rehab assignment starts in High-A Rome.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves who outlined the team's plans for Strider's rehab assignment.

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What they’re saying

“So three or four innings or 45 to 50 pitches is about where they're at with Strider.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

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 successful return from injury is crucial for the Braves as they look to defend their NL East title. The team is taking a cautious approach with his rehab assignment, hoping to get him back to full strength over the next few weeks before rejoining the major league roster.