Spencer Strider Dominates in Rehab Start, Ready to Boost Braves’ Struggling Rotation

A Dominant Rehab Start Sends a Clear Message

In a performance that has Atlanta Braves fans buzzing with excitement, former All-Star pitcher Spencer Strider showed that he’s more than ready to return to the big leagues after a dominant rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. Strider delivered a masterful outing, striking out 13 of the 21 batters he faced, in what could be his final ramp-up game before rejoining the Braves’ struggling rotation.

Throwing 90 pitches across 5 1/3 innings, Strider surrendered just one run on three hits while walking two batters. His electric stuff was on full display, making it clear that he’s primed for his season debut — and the Braves, who have faced challenges on the mound early this season, couldn’t be more thrilled.

A Struggling Start for the Braves’ Rotation

The Braves’ starting pitchers have struggled so far in 2025, with the exception of Spencer Schwellenbach. The team has only won two of their first 11 games, with none of the starters outside of Schwellenbach managing an ERA below 4.00. This includes reigning Cy Young winner Chris Sale, who has not lived up to his usual dominance.

The return of Strider could be just the jolt the Braves need to stabilize their pitching staff. His 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular, as he posted a 20-win season with a league-leading 281 strikeouts in 186 2/3 innings. With a solid 3.86 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over 32 starts, Strider was one of MLB’s most effective pitchers, and the Braves are counting on him to regain that form.

Strider’s Road to Recovery

Strider’s 2024 season was limited to just nine innings before he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery. After months of rehab and recovery, Strider’s performance in Gwinnett shows he’s fully prepared to make a major impact for Atlanta once again. His ability to strike out batters at such a high rate is a promising sign, suggesting that he can return to being the powerhouse pitcher the Braves need.

A Much-Needed Boost for Atlanta’s Postseason Push

With the Braves’ current pitching struggles, Strider’s return could not come at a more crucial time. The team is in dire need of a boost from its rotation to avoid falling further behind in the NL standings. As Strider’s rehab outing demonstrated, he is more than capable of providing that spark, especially with the postseason in mind.

Braves fans are eager to see how Strider’s elite strikeout ability translates back to the big leagues, and if Thursday’s outing is any indication, Atlanta is on the cusp of regaining a key piece of their pitching staff.

Conclusion: A Dominant Force Returning to the Mound

Spencer Strider’s rehab start was a resounding success, and his return to the Braves’ rotation promises to be a game-changer for Atlanta. With his strikeout stuff and potential to anchor the pitching staff, Strider could be exactly what the Braves need to turn their season around and get back on track for a postseason push. The countdown to Strider’s season debut has officially begun, and it’s clear that the Braves’ future looks brighter with their ace back in action.