September 7, 2025
Spencer Strider’s road back from elbow surgery has been anything but smooth. Although he continues to throw with strong velocity and shows no signs of injury, his pitches have lacked their usual dominance this season. Strider himself has even suggested that he might be tipping pitches, leading the Braves to search for solutions to get him back on track.
Manager Brian Snitker had recently discussed using a six-man rotation to ease workloads late in the season, giving starters like Strider extra rest. That plan seemed to be working, and Strider was scheduled to pitch on Sunday with an additional day off. Instead, the Braves announced he had been scratched, with Joey Wentz taking the start.
The team was quick to clarify that the decision was not health-related. Atlanta has generally been transparent about injuries, making it unlikely that they’re concealing something more serious. The move may have been more about matchups, with the Braves believing Wentz could be more effective against Seattle than the current version of Strider.
Strider’s recent performances highlight the issue. Over his last four starts, he has averaged just two strikeouts per game, a staggering drop for a pitcher once known for overpowering hitters. While there have been glimpses of improvement, the sharp decline in strikeouts continues to raise concern.
It’s possible that Atlanta and Strider are working to address mechanical issues or tipping tendencies, but until he regains his ability to miss bats consistently, every change in his usage will be heavily scrutinized.
For now, Braves fans are left waiting for answers — and hoping their ace can rediscover the dominant form that once made him one of baseball’s most feared pitchers.
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