BOSTON — Just a few weeks ago, the Braves’ rotation appeared to have several question marks. That certainly wasn’t the case on Friday, when Bryce Elder was sent down to the minors despite putting up a solid 3.10 ERA over his last five starts.
“He took it like a professional,” manager Brian Snitker said. “These conversations are always tough, even when players understand the situation — someone had to be sent down with Spencer [Strider] coming back.”
The Braves weren’t going to demote AJ Smith-Shawver, who’s been excellent with a 1.08 ERA over his last four outings. And Grant Holmes couldn’t be optioned since he’s out of options. While shifting Holmes to the bullpen was technically possible, it wouldn’t have made sense given that he’s pitched into the sixth inning in seven consecutive starts.
The team could’ve also opted for Strider to make a rehab appearance before rejoining the rotation Tuesday against the Nationals, but his performance in Wednesday’s simulated game gave them confidence he’s ready — despite it being just his second big-league start in over a year.
Atlanta’s rotation is currently in a great position. Since May 4, their starters have combined for a remarkable 1.97 ERA over 15 games. For the month, the Braves rank third in the league in ERA (2.70) and lead in innings pitched (103 1/3).
That’s a major turnaround from late April, when Chris Sale was scuffling, Strider was headed back to the injured list, Schwellenbach hit a rough patch, and Smith-Shawver was trying to return from Triple-A.
Now, Sale has posted a 1.72 ERA across five starts since April 25 and recorded 40 strikeouts — second only to Detroit’s Tarik Skubal during that span. He’s starting to resemble the ace who nearly captured the pitching Triple Crown last year.
Smith-Shawver has been equally impressive since his return, allowing just three earned runs over 25 innings in four starts. Opponents are batting a mere .141 against him — the best among all MLB pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched since April 29.
Schwellenbach, after a tough stretch from mid-April to early May (7.17 ERA), has bounced back impressively. Over his last three starts, he’s allowed just six earned runs and 14 hits across 20 innings, including a solid performance against the Red Sox on Sunday where the only damage came on a Rafael Devers grand slam.
Now the Braves are eager to see how long it will take Strider to regain the dominant form he showed in 2022 and 2023.
In 2023, Strider’s four-seam fastball averaged 97.2 mph, with only a handful dipping below 94. So, it was notable that during Wednesday’s simulated game, he was mostly sitting around 94 mph across 65 pitches. Is he easing back in? Still rebuilding arm strength? Or is this his new normal following elbow surgery?
Time will tell. But for now, Strider’s return only adds more upside to what’s already become one of the best rotations in baseball.