Braves put Spencer Strider on 4-week IL for arm inflammation

Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider has been shut down from throwing for four weeks due to inflammation in his right elbow, the team announced Monday. The decision follows an MRI that revealed no structural ligament damage, offering a more optimistic outlook than initially feared.

Strider, 27, was placed on the 15-day injured list this past Saturday, one day after exiting a start against the New York Mets in the fourth inning. He experienced soreness in his right elbow and shoulder during the outing, in which he allowed a season-worst seven earned runs over three innings. A noticeable decline in his fastball velocity prompted his removal; his pitches dipped into the high-80s mph during his final batter.

The subsequent medical evaluation brought encouraging news. Imaging showed inflammation but no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament, and the team does not expect Strider to require surgery. He consulted with Dr. Keith Meister, who performed an internal brace procedure on Strider's UCL in April 2024, on Monday to determine the treatment plan. Strider will rest for four weeks before undergoing another MRI. If the inflammation has cleared, he will then begin a throwing progression.