Braves’ Spencer Strider Throws Three Batting Practice Innings Toward Return

This blog post takes a look at Spencer Strider’s progress as he works his way back into the Atlanta Braves’ rotation. He just completed a three-inning batting-practice session at Truist Park and has a rehab start coming up. What could his return mean for a team grinding through a heavy early-season schedule? With Strider rehabbing a Grade 1 left oblique strain, the Braves are juggling his ramp-up with the need to keep their early momentum in the NL East.

Strider’s latest workout at Truist Park

On Saturday, Strider made a real step forward. He threw three innings of batting practice at the Braves’ home stadium, wearing the City Connect uniform. After the outing, he said he felt good. His fastball hit 95 mph, so the arm speed seems intact as he moves through rehab.

Manager Walt Weiss gave an update, saying the session went well both physically and mentally. Strider’s kept a positive outlook, and the club’s making sure to take things slow so he returns ready to go. Weiss said the next step will probably be a rehab start on Thursday, with Strider expected to throw about 40–45 pitches.

What the rehab timeline could look like

For a pitcher like Strider, Atlanta wants to ease him in from batting practice to live games. Weiss laid out a plan to build him up gradually, especially since he’s a front-line starter and not a bullpen guy. Thursday’s rehab start will be a big test—can his oblique hold up under game-like stress, and will the velocity and command stick around?

• Three innings of batting practice finished up
• 40–45 pitches planned for the rehab start
• 95 mph fastball during BP
• Grade 1 left oblique strain diagnosed on March 22
• End-of-month return to the rotation isn’t likely, according to Weiss

Weiss mentioned Strider’s handled the injury well—physically, mentally, emotionally. The Braves are counting on him for a strong second half. They’re also missing another starter, Spencer Schwellenbach, so Strider’s return feels even more important.

Braves’ current standing and rotation depth

Atlanta’s started the year strong, leading the NL East at 9–5. They’ve put together seven quality starts in their first 14 games. The team’s shown some grit and depth, even with a few lost innings on the mound.

What Strider’s return could mean for the rotation

If Strider can quickly find his elite velocity and command again, the Braves get a serious lift. He’d bring that dynamic strike-throwing edge back to the top of the rotation.

That also means Schwellenbach might not need to rush his own return. It’s a two-for-one kind of boost, honestly.

The impact won’t be instant, though. They’ll need to ease Strider in, test him against live hitters, and see how his oblique holds up under real game pressure.

Still, just imagining Strider rejoining a 9–5 team that’s already chalked up seven quality starts? That’s got to feel good for Braves fans.

Saturday’s three-inning BP at Truist Park showed there’s a real plan here. Strider’s inching closer to the rotation, and Thursday’s rehab start looks like the next big step.

The Braves seem pretty determined to play the long game, aiming for a healthy, productive stretch run. If things keep trending upward, this pitching staff could get a major piece back—and maybe not have to gamble with the season’s durability in the NL East.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Braves’ Spencer Strider throws 3 innings of batting practice working toward return from oblique strain