The Atlanta Braves have lost their ace, Spencer Strider, to another injury, prompting one analyst to suggest they should pursue a trade for another top pitcher.
Strider made his return from UCL surgery on April 16, but after just one start, he was placed on the injured list due to a hamstring injury. Following the setback, MLB analyst Zach Pressnell of Newsweek urged the Braves to acquire Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals.
“Although this may not seem like a major issue, Strider is expected to miss at least two starts, and hamstring injuries are notorious for lingering. It’s hard to predict when he’ll be fully healthy again,” Pressnell wrote. “With that in mind, the Braves might want to consider making a big trade for a starting pitcher.”
“Sonny Gray would be the ideal option,” he added. “Gray has been one of the league’s best pitchers over the last few seasons, yet he often flies under the radar in discussions about elite arms. His consistency is unmatched, and the Braves desperately need a reliable, veteran pitcher like him right now.”
Gray, currently in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract with the Cardinals, could significantly strengthen the Braves’ rotation. After a slow start to the season, Atlanta cannot afford to fall further behind in the playoff race, making a move for Gray all the more important according to Pressnell.
Gray is 3-0 with a 3.41 ERA in five starts this season and is a three-time All-Star.
Strider Eager to Return Quickly
Strider’s long-awaited return to the majors on April 16 lasted just one start before he was sidelined again. After being placed on the injured list, Strider expressed his frustration but reiterated his determination to return as quickly as possible.
“It sucks,” Strider said. “I haven’t been able to contribute to this team or organization for the past year. I finally got to the point where I could help us win games, and now I’m back on the table while they wave machines over me. I’ll do everything possible to get back out there as soon as I can.”
While Strider is unsure how the injury occurred, he’s frustrated with the situation.
“I don’t have any explanation for it,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure it out. The only thing I can think of is that after not pitching for over a year, your body becomes deconditioned. Pitching is a very taxing movement, and I just hadn’t done it in a while. I don’t know why it didn’t happen during my bullpen or when I was throwing 400 feet the other day.”
Strider, a one-time All-Star, is a key part of Atlanta’s rotation.
Manager Optimistic About Strider’s Return
Although Strider’s injury is a setback, the Braves received some positive news. His MRI revealed a Grade 1 strain, which is the least severe of the three levels. Braves manager Brian Snitker remains hopeful that Strider will return soon.
“Everyone heals at different rates, but I think this was the best possible outcome,” Snitker said.
The Braves currently sit at 10-14 and are in last place in the NL East.
