Atlanta's star pitcher, Spencer Strider, who led the major leagues in wins and strikeouts last season, is set to undergo tests on his right elbow following complaints of discomfort during Friday night's game. Strider's performance was subpar as he only lasted four innings, giving up five runs on seven hits while struggling with control, recording four strikeouts and issuing three walks in the Braves' 6-5 victory over Arizona in 10 innings.
Braves manager revealed that Strider had expressed concerns about his elbow during the game, indicating that he was uncomfortable with the way it felt. The discomfort seemed to persist throughout the game, with Strider informing the team after his departure from the mound.
The potential loss of Strider could pose a significant challenge for Atlanta's pitching rotation, as he was designated as the team's top starter over Max Fried at the beginning of the season. Strider's remarkable performance in 2023, where he achieved a 20-5 record with 281 strikeouts, made him a pivotal asset for the Braves.
Despite his stellar stats from the previous season, Strider has struggled in the early stages of this year, evident from his elevated 7.00 ERA after two starts. In the event of Strider's absence, potential replacements in the rotation may include Bryce Elder and A.J. Smith-Shawver. Elder, who had an impressive 12-4 record with a 3.81 ERA last season, narrowly missed out on a rotation spot during spring training to Reynaldo López.
The Braves will anxiously await the results of Strider's elbow tests to determine the extent of his injury and the subsequent impact on the team's pitching staff. The uncertainty surrounding Strider's health adds a layer of concern for Atlanta as they navigate through the early stages of the season.
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