Braves Outline Spencer Strider's Rehab Assignment Plans

The right-hander will make his first rehab start on Thursday, April 16 as he works his way back from an oblique injury.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange colors overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract representation of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a pitcher's motion captures the complex athleticism and movement of a baseball player in recovery.Memphis Today

The Atlanta Braves have finalized the plans for Spencer Strider's rehab assignment as the right-hander recovers from an oblique injury. Manager Walt Weiss announced that Strider will make his first rehab start on Thursday, April 16, though the specific affiliate he will pitch for is still to be determined. Weiss expects Strider to require multiple rehab starts and to gradually increase his pitch count as he works to regain his form.

Why it matters

Strider's return from injury is a crucial development for the Braves, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation after a disappointing 2025 season. The team will closely monitor Strider's progress during the rehab assignment to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to contribute at the major league level.

The details

Strider was scratched from his final spring training start on March 23 after the oblique injury was discovered. He has been progressing through his recovery, including a live batting practice session on Saturday. Weiss said Strider will likely require the rest of April to get fully conditioned, with the plan being for him to throw 45 pitches in his first rehab start and build up from there. The Braves' current starting rotation includes Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder, with Martín Pérez making his second start on Saturday.

  • Strider's first rehab start is scheduled for Thursday, April 16.
  • Strider was scratched from his final spring training start on March 23 due to the oblique injury.

The players

Spencer Strider

A right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who is currently recovering from an oblique injury.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Chris Sale

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Reynaldo López

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Grant Holmes

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Bryce Elder

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

Martín Pérez

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.

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What they’re saying

“It's a little different with a rehab start. You don't have the total control that you have in a live BP setting. You have to temper the pitch count a little bit.”

— 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 return from injury is a crucial development for the Braves, who are looking to bolster their starting rotation after a disappointing 2025 season. The team will closely monitor his progress during the rehab assignment to ensure he is fully healthy and ready to contribute at the major league level.