Spencer Strider Undergoes Serious Elbow Surgery, Out For Season

After going on the injured list last week with an elbow issue, Atlanta Braves' ace Spencer Strider is now officially out for the season after undergoing surgery.

Apr 3, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) warms up / Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves' ace Spencer Strider is officially out for the season after he underwent surgery to repair his damaged elbow.

Per the team on social media:

RHP Spencer Strider yesterday underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow with internal brace, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX. He will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

RHP Spencer Strider yesterday underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow with internal brace, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX. He will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2024

Strider was put on the injured list last week with elbow problems and this procedure confirms the worst-case scenario. If there's some solace here, the fact that Strider underwent the internal brace procedure may indicate that it's not as long a recovery as traditional Tommy John surgery.

For instance, Boston Red Sox' shortstop Trevor Story had internal brace surgery in January of 2023 and was back playing by August. While it's likely different for a pitcher, there is a chance that he could be ready to pitch for most or all of the 2025 season.

Regardless, this is a devasting development for Strider and the Braves. One of the best pitchers in baseball, Strider led the league in strikeouts last season. He is 32-10 lifetime with a 3.47 ERA. He had an ERA of 7.00 in two starts this season. Strider was an All-Star last season and finished fourth in National League Cy Young voting.

In his absence, the Braves will continue to rely on Max Fried, Chris Sale and Charlie Morton.

Atlanta is currently 8-4 on the year and will visit the Miami Marlins on Saturday afternoon at 4:10 p.m. ET.

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