Former Clemson Pitcher Could Break Out for Atlanta Braves in 2022

Spencer Strider made quick work of the Minor Leagues and is expected to impact the defending World Series champions on the mound in his second season as a professional.

Spencer Strider didn't make the Atlanta Braves postseason roster during the franchise's run to a World Series championship in 2021.

In 2022, however, the former Clemson pitcher has a great shot at being on the Opening Day roster and playing a major role for the Braves, who are listed at +1300 on FanDuel Sportsbook to win it all again, this season. 

Strider is CBS Sports' breakout candidate for Atlanta in 2022. Here's what the national site had to say about a player who's "ready to step up" this spring:

The defending world champions won't provide many opportunities to unproven quantities. We think Strider, who appeared in two games late last season, will get a chance and make the most of it. His combination of a quick arm and a deep release point gave him an effective velocity of 98.4 mph, making his fastball an elite pitch on those grounds. He's also nurtured an above-average slider thanks to an appreciable understanding of pitch design. The Braves should continue to develop Strider as a starter, but he could be an asset in the bullpen on a moment's notice.

The right-handed reliever made quick work through the Braves' farm system. After having Tommy John surgery at Clemson in 2019 and only pitching 12 innings in the Tigers' COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, Strider was drafted by Atlanta in the third round (No. 126. overall).

He opened last season in Single-A Augusta and was in AAA before making his Major League debut on Oct. 1 for the Braves. Strider finished his first year as a professional with a 3.73 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched in the Minor Leagues and a 3.86 ERA in two outings in the Majors. 

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