With Spencer Strider back on the injured list just one start after returning from UCL surgery, the Atlanta Braves are facing another major blow to their rotation. While the hamstring injury may not appear catastrophic on the surface, the uncertainty around how long it could linger is cause for concern. MLB analyst Zach Pressnell of Newsweek believes it’s time for the Braves to act decisively — by trading for Cardinals ace Sonny Gray.
“While this doesn’t seem like a huge deal, Strider is set to miss at least two starts. Hamstring injuries are notorious for nagging on for weeks,” Pressnell wrote. “With that in mind, the Braves might want to swing a blockbuster trade for a starting pitcher.”
According to Pressnell, Gray is the ideal target. “Gray has been one of the best pitchers in the league for the last few seasons, yet he’s rarely discussed in the top tier of arms,” he explained. “His consistency is hard to match, and the Braves desperately need a consistent, veteran arm like Gray right now.”
Gray, a three-time All-Star, is in the second year of a three-year, $75 million contract with St. Louis and is off to a strong start in 2025, posting a 3-0 record and 3.41 ERA over five outings. For a Braves team that has stumbled out of the gate with a 9-14 record and is already falling behind in the division, the need for a reliable rotation presence is urgent.
Adding Gray would not only stabilize Atlanta’s rotation in the short term, it would also provide valuable veteran leadership and playoff experience for the long haul. Given their current state and high expectations, it may be the kind of bold move Atlanta has to make if they want to stay in the mix this season.
Braves’ Strider Hoping to Return ASAP
Spencer Strider’s much-anticipated return to the mound on April 16 turned out to be painfully short-lived, as the Braves’ ace landed back on the injured list after just one start—this time with a hamstring strain.
The frustration is clearly weighing on Strider, who’s been sidelined for most of the past year recovering from UCL surgery. Now, just as he felt ready to contribute again, he’s facing another delay.
“It sucks,” Strider admitted. “I have done absolutely nothing to help this team and this organization for the past year. I finally got to a point where I could earn my paycheck and help us win games. And now I’m back on a table while they wave machines over me… I will do everything humanly possible to get back out there as soon as I can.”
The one-time All-Star isn’t entirely sure how the injury happened, but he believes the long layoff from pitching competitively may have played a role.
“I don’t have any explanation for it,” he said. “I’ve spent a lot of time thinking of one. The only thing I can really come up with is you become deconditioned to pitching. I hadn’t pitched in over a year. The body likes routine. And pitching is a very aggressive, taxing movement and I just hadn’t done it in a while. Why it didn’t happen in my bullpen or when I was throwing 400 feet the other day, I don’t have any clue.”
Strider’s absence is another massive blow to a Braves rotation already stretched thin, and his comments reflect both a fierce desire to return and the emotional toll of another unexpected setback. For a team trying to climb out of an early-season hole, getting their ace back healthy and on track will be key—but for now, they’ll have to find answers elsewhere.
Braves Manager Hopeful Strider Returns Soon
Spencer Strider’s latest injury is a tough pill to swallow for the Atlanta Braves, especially given how vital he is to the rotation as their ace. But amid the disappointment, there is a bit of a silver lining.
An MRI revealed that Strider is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain—the mildest form of the injury—which offers some hope for a quicker return. Braves manager Brian Snitker sounded cautiously optimistic when discussing the results.
“Everybody is different as far as how long it takes them, but I think this was the best possible outcome,” Snitker said.
That optimism is much-needed for a Braves team currently sitting at 10-14 and in last place in the National League East. With injuries piling up and the rotation under pressure, getting Strider back—even on a cautious timeline—could provide a critical boost as Atlanta looks to get its season back on track.
Leave a Reply