]

Braves’ Spencer Strider reflects on struggles after ‘batting practice’ start – SSS

Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider didn’t mince words after another rough outing Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, admitting his command issues made it feel like he was throwing “batting practice.” The Braves have now dropped nine of their last 12 games, and Strider’s regression has become a central concern for a team once seen as a clear contender.

New York Yankees Fans RIDE Vintage Train

Strider, who allowed five earned runs over five innings, gave up three home runs—two to Ketel Marte and one to Corbin Carroll—in an 8–3 loss at Truist Park. It was another chapter in a challenging 2025 campaign for the right-hander, whose 2025 ERA has ballooned to 5.68 over his last four outings.

In a piece by MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Strider reflected bluntly on his performance.

“Command without stuff is batting practice. That’s about what I offered up today. I’ve got to be better, just to give us a chance.”

Strider’s drop-off has been dramatic. In 2023, he led MLB with 281 strikeouts and anchored one of the league’s top rotations. Now, post-injury, he’s seen his strikeout rate plummet and his home run rate skyrocket. Since returning from a hamstring strain, he’s posted a 6.43 ERA over three starts, fueling concerns over lingering effects from the UCL procedure he underwent in early 2024.

Article Continues Below

The Braves pitching struggles have come at the worst time, with the team slipping 10 games out of first place and only four games above the last-place Marlins. Trade deadline whispers are growing louder.

Acknowledging the pressure on the Braves, Strider told Bowman he needs to deliver when it matters too.

“We’ve got to win games, and when it’s my turn to pitch, I’ve got to give us a chance to win. If I can’t do that, then I don’t know what value I’m providing, besides getting reps.”

As the long nature of a baseball season continues to test Atlanta’s depth, all eyes remain on whether Strider can rediscover the dominance that once made him a Cy Young favorite.

Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform.

JUST ME BRO and TRUST ME BRO!

Related Posts

Breaking News: Star Nick Bosa sends 8 powerful words to wake up the 49ers defense in the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers… Ngann

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa has delivered a powerful message ahead of the team’s crucial upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it’s already making…

Congratulations: Frank Gore, Alex Smith and 16 others nominated for 2026 Player of the Year. Ngann

The NFL community is buzzing with excitement as the nominations for the highly anticipated 2026 Player of the Year award have been officially announced. Among the distinguished…

Report: Former 49ers star Terrell Owens shares his thoughts on the 49ers – Buccaneers matchup and makes an interesting prediction for NFL Week 6. Ngann

NFL legend and former San Francisco 49ers star Terrell Owens has once again captured the attention of fans and analysts with his latest comments on one of…

Hot transfer news: 49ers shocked with $27.6 million deal with a big star from Ohio State University…. Ngann

The San Francisco 49ers have sent shockwaves through the NFL world with a massive move that’s dominating the headlines. Reports indicate that the team has reached an…

Mac Jones is on fire, Brock Purdy is injured again — the 49ers QB controversy is starting to rise! Ngann

Mac Jones is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in the NFL this season. His impressive performances week after week have not only silenced his critics…

Results announced tomorrow: Player’s shocking statement immediately caused a stir in public opinion! Ngann

As anticipation builds ahead of tomorrow’s highly awaited results, the sports world has been thrown into turmoil after a player’s shocking statement sent shockwaves through public opinion….