Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after undergoing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The surgery involved using an internal brace, a less invasive alternative to Tommy John surgery. Strider exited his last start on April 5 after just four innings due to elbow discomfort and a subsequent MRI revealed the damage to his ligament.
The decision to proceed with the surgery was made by Dr. Keith Meister after further evaluation of Strider’s elbow. The procedure, though coming with a shorter rehab period, will still keep the ace out of the game until next season. Strider had a standout 2023 season with a 20-5 record, 281 strikeouts, and a fourth-place finish in the NL Cy Young Award voting.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed his disappointment for Strider, emphasizing the pitcher’s dedication to the sport and his team. Strider is just one of many pitchers who have suffered arm injuries so far in the 2024 season, joining a list that includes top names like Gerrit Cole, Sonny Gray, and Justin Verlander.
The Braves, currently leading the NL East with an 8-4 record, will have to navigate the rest of the season without their star pitcher. The loss of Strider adds to the challenges faced by teams dealing with pitching injuries this year, with several players expected to miss significant time or even the entire season.