ATLANTA -- Spencer Strider is back on the injured list, less than a week after he made his much-anticipated return from elbow surgery.
Strider strained his right hamstring while playing catch on Monday afternoon at Truist Park. He was placed on the 15-day IL after informing the Braves he would be unable to make his scheduled start against the Cardinals on Tuesday.
This was another big blow for the Braves, who put Strider back in the rotation last week, a little more than a year after his right ulnar collateral ligament was repaired by the insertion of an internal brace. The right-hander allowed two runs over five innings on Wednesday in Toronto and was looking forward to making this season¡¯s first home start on Tuesday.
The Braves will get a better feel for the severity of Strider¡¯s ailment over the next few days. But given he just returned from a long rehab process, they will likely take a cautious approach regarding his return.
After Strider made just one healthy start in 2024, the Braves benefited from the great seasons produced by 2024 National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale and 2024 All-Star Reynaldo López. But this year has been far different for both hurlers.
Sale has a 6.17 ERA through five starts and L¨®pez made just one start before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. L¨®pez will likely be sidelined until at least late August, and it¡¯s unclear whether he would return as a starter or reliever.
With Strider sidelined, the Braves could give Tuesday¡¯s start to Michael Petersen, a right-handed reliever who was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett early Monday evening to take Strider¡¯s roster spot. They could also go with Scott Blewett, a reliever who was acquired from the Orioles for cash considerations on Sunday.
AJ Smith-Shawver started for Triple-A Gwinnett on Friday, so he wouldn¡¯t be available before Wednesday.