Braves' Strider to Start Rehab Assignment in Rome

Pitcher Spencer Strider and catcher Sean Murphy will team up for the High-A Emperors on Thursday.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:54pm

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Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider is set to make his return to the mound on Thursday, joining catcher Sean Murphy on a rehab assignment with the team's High-A affiliate, the Rome Emperors. Strider and Murphy will form the battery as the Emperors host the Jersey Shore BlueClaws at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome, Georgia.

Why it matters

Strider's return to action is an important step in his recovery from an injury that has kept him sidelined. As one of the Braves' top pitching prospects, his successful rehab assignment could pave the way for him to rejoin the major league roster soon.

The details

Strider, a right-handed pitcher, will take the mound for the Emperors on Thursday evening. He will be paired with Braves catcher Sean Murphy, who began his own rehab assignment with the High-A club on Tuesday.

  • Strider's rehab start is scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
  • Murphy started his rehab assignment with the Emperors on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.

The players

Spencer Strider

A right-handed pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization and one of the team's top pitching prospects.

Sean Murphy

A catcher in the Atlanta Braves organization who is also on a rehab assignment with the High-A Emperors.

Jersey Shore BlueClaws

The High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, who will be hosting the Emperors on Thursday.

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What’s next

If Strider's rehab start goes well, he could be cleared to rejoin the Braves' major league roster in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Strider's return to the mound is an important milestone in his recovery, and his successful rehab assignment could pave the way for him to contribute to the Braves' pitching staff in the near future.