In 2023, Atlanta Braves pitcher reached a rare milestone in his second full MLB season by winning 20 games — a feat that’s become increasingly uncommon. He was just the third National League pitcher to do so since Max Scherzer achieved it in 2016. In the American League, no one has reached 20 wins since Gerrit Cole did with the Astros in 2019. Expectations were sky-high for Strider entering the 2024 season, but after giving up two runs over five innings in his Opening Day start against the Phillies and getting rocked for five runs in four innings against the Diamondbacks, his season was abruptly halted. A week later, Strider underwent surgery to repair the UCL in his throwing elbow, with an internal brace put in place — sidelining him after just two starts.
Though, the Braves gave fans a reason to be hopeful amidst their disappointing 5-12 start. Via social media, the team delivered a bold, two-word announcement: Strider activated. That morning, Strider was officially reinstated from the injured list and later took the mound in Toronto for an interleague clash with the Blue Jays. Making his first appearance since April 5, 2024, he allowed a one-out double to Anthony Santander but responded by striking out Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to finish the inning with authority. To create roster space, the Braves optioned right-hander Zach Thompson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Strider’s return is a huge boost to a Braves team in need of a spark. In 2023, he logged a career-best 186 2/3 innings, led the majors with 281 strikeouts, and posted a 3.86 ERA across 32 starts, taking just five losses all season. His dominance and electric stuff made him one of the most feared young arms in baseball — and now, Atlanta is hoping he can regain that form and help steady a rocky start to the 2025 campaign.