Strider's Oblique Strain Hits Braves Hard

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome to MLB News today, powered by AI and Ready for First Pitch. Bad news out of Atlanta Braves camp, as right-handers Spencer Strider will start the season on the injured list with an oblique strain. Manager Walt Wise shared the update this morning, and while no exact timeline is set, even mild strains like this often keep pictures out for a bout-a. Month. Strider, the 27-year-old Ace, has battled injuries before. He only made two starts last year before needing elbow surgery that carried into this season. A hamstring issue also cut his 2024 campaign, short to 23 starts, where his velocity dipped and he posted a 4.4, five earned run average. The Braves are dealing with a rough spring full of setbacks. They have already lost starters, Spencer, Swellenbach, and Hurston Waldrip for months due to elbow surgeries, while Joey Wentz tore his ACL and is done. For the year, Shortsdapase Young, Kim has a hand injury sidelining him for over a month,

1:02and Jerkson Profare faces a full season suspension after a positive PED test. With Strider out, Atlanta opens with Chris Sale, Ronaldo Lopez, and Grant Holmes as their top three starters. Lopez missed most of last year with shoulder trouble, and Holmes rehab a UCL tier without surgery. Bryce Elder and Jose Suarez should make the roster, with Suarez likely starting, and the team might call up veteran Martin Perez. This leaves the rotation thin, so expect General Manager Alex Anthopolis to chase veteran arms as camp wraps up and players hit free agency from. Minor league deals. The Braves face an uphill battle to stay healthy early on.