Spencer Strider’s 2025 season debut lasted just five innings before a hamstring strain forced him back to the injured list, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the Atlanta Braves. Following their 5-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday, May 15, manager Brian Snitker shared that the 26-year-old former All-Star is expected to return early next week. Strider, who struck out 5 and threw 78 pitches in his start, will likely face the Nationals again, a favorable matchup given their offense ranks in the bottom half of the league, according to The Athletic’s David O’Brien.
While Strider was sidelined, reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale has been the anchor of Atlanta’s rotation, keeping the team competitive in a tight NL East race. The Braves, sitting at 23-19 as of today, May 16, trail the Phillies (28-15) and Mets (26-17), both considered World Series contenders. Sale has been stellar, but he’ll welcome Strider’s return as the duo could form a formidable one-two punch, something the league hasn’t fully seen since Sale joined Atlanta last year.
The Braves have been cautious with Strider, prioritizing his long-term health after two years of injury setbacks, including a UCL repair in 2024 that limited him to just two starts. Atlanta’s medical staff took their time, ensuring the hamstring strain wouldn’t linger, as they aim for Strider to finish the season strong and healthy. His return is a major boost for a rotation that’s leaned heavily on Sale, with Max Fried also battling inconsistency this year, posting a 4.12 ERA through 9 starts.
For Braves fans, Strider’s comeback is a glimmer of hope, but the team’s ceiling depends on more than just their ace. Ronald Acuña Jr. remains sidelined with an ACL injury, though he’s making progress in rehab, recently hitting a homer in a minor-league game. If Strider and Acuña can return to form and stay on the field, Atlanta could be a dangerous force in the NL. For now, the focus is on next week’s start, where Strider aims to ignite a turnaround for a Braves squad hungry to reclaim their spot among the league’s elite.
