Spencer Strider to Begin 2026 Season on Injured List
Spencer Strider, the Atlanta Braves’ starting pitcher and a former All-Star, is set to start the 2026 MLB season on the injured list due to a left oblique strain, according to Mark Bowman, a beat reporter for the team. At just 27 years old, Strider has faced significant challenges in his career, starting last season on the injured list with a hamstring strain and finishing with his worst performance to date, recording a 4.45 earned run average and a disappointing 7-14 record over 23 starts.
Strider’s Career Journey
A significant setback occurred in 2024 when Strider underwent UCL surgery, resulting in him participating in only two games that season. Before these injuries, however, Strider displayed remarkable talent during the 2023 season, leading the league with an impressive 20 wins and 281 strikeouts, demonstrating a remarkable strikeout rate of 13.5 per nine innings. His strong showing earned him a reputation as a rising star pitcher, culminating in a season-ending ERA of 3.86 after 32 starts, where he allowed 146 hits and 58 walks over 186.2 innings.
Challenges for the Atlanta Braves
Despite Strider’s previous successes, he has struggled to return to All-Star form since his breakout year. The Atlanta Braves, as a team, faced their own difficulties last season, failing to qualify for the MLB postseason for the first time since 2017. Their upcoming 2026 season is scheduled to commence on March 27th against the Kansas City Royals, and the organization hopes to overcome last year’s disappointments with a healthier and more competitive roster.
