Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider will be sidelined for the remainder of the season following surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. The procedure, which involved the use of an internal brace to mend the UCL, was conducted by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas on Friday.
Strider first experienced discomfort in his elbow after pitching four innings during the Braves' victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 5. Subsequent MRI results confirmed damage to his UCL, prompting the decision for surgical intervention.
Manager Brian Snitker expressed the team's disappointment, stating, 'You never expect these things to be good or just a blip on the screen.'
The 25-year-old right-hander had an impressive 2023 season, boasting a record of 20-5 and leading the league in wins and strikeouts with 281. He maintained a 3.86 ERA during the previous season. However, Strider struggled in the early stages of the current season, recording a 7.00 ERA with 12 strikeouts in two starts.
Strider now joins a growing list of notable pitchers who have faced significant injuries this year, including Shane Bieber of the Cleveland Guardians, Jonathan Loáisiga of the New York Yankees, Eury Pérez of the Miami Marlins, and Trevor Gott of the Oakland Athletics, all diagnosed with elbow-related issues.
With Strider's absence, the Braves will need to adjust their pitching rotation and seek alternative options to fill the void left by their ace. The team will undoubtedly miss Strider's contributions on the mound but remains hopeful for his full recovery and return to form in the future.
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