Atlanta Braves News: Spencer Strider, Drake Baldwin, more
The Atlanta Braves are managing an eight-game NL East lead despite losing ace Spencer Strider to a four-week elbow shutdown. Drake Baldwin’s return from injury strengthens their lineup, but the rotation’s stability remains uncertain without Strider. The team activated Hurston Waldrep to fill the void while Strider’s recovery timeline stretches into late July. Atlanta hosts the Giants Tuesday with Baldwin back in the lineup.
What changed
Strider’s shutdown period is now confirmed at four weeks, and Baldwin’s activation is official ahead of the Giants series.
Live updates
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Strider sidelined 4 weeks; Baldwin returns as Braves face rotation void
confidence 95%The Atlanta Braves are managing an eight-game NL East lead despite losing ace Spencer Strider to a four-week elbow shutdown. Drake Baldwin’s return from injury strengthens their lineup, but the rotation’s stability remains uncertain without Strider. The team activated Hurston Waldrep to fill the void while Strider’s recovery timeline stretches into late July. Atlanta hosts the Giants Tuesday with Baldwin back in the lineup.
What's confirmed:
- Spencer Strider will miss at least four weeks after being shut down for elbow inflammation, avoiding surgery for now.
- Strider was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with right elbow inflammation, per team and AP reports.
- Drake Baldwin was activated off the injured list Tuesday, returning to the Braves lineup after a brief rehab stint.
- The Braves lead the NL East by eight games over the Phillies, despite not playing at full strength.
- Hurston Waldrep was activated to fill the rotation spot left by Strider’s absence.
- Atlanta will host the San Francisco Giants Tuesday with Baldwin back in the lineup.
Still unconfirmed:
- Lindsay Crosby suggested Baldwin’s return could significantly boost Atlanta’s lineup and catcher group performance, though no stats or direct quotes were provided.
- Unconfirmed reports hint at lingering concerns about the Braves’ rotation depth beyond Waldrep and Strider’s eventual return.
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Strider shut down 4 weeks; Braves lose ace, gain Baldwin back
confidence 97%Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider has been sidelined for at least four weeks with elbow inflammation, avoiding surgery but facing a late-season return timeline. The team placed him on the 15-day injured list while receiving positive news on catcher Drake Baldwin’s recovery. The injury marks the first major setback for a Braves team that had remained dominant despite earlier pitching struggles. Atlanta’s rotation now faces uncertainty as Strider’s absence compounds recent staffing challenges.
What's confirmed:
- Spencer Strider will not throw for at least four weeks due to right elbow inflammation, per multiple team and media sources.
- An MRI showed no ligament damage in Strider’s elbow, ruling out surgery for now.
- The Atlanta Braves placed Strider on the 15-day injured list to begin his recovery period.
- Strider is targeting a late-season return, though no specific date has been confirmed.
- Catcher Drake Baldwin’s return from injury provides a key defensive upgrade for the Braves.
Still unconfirmed:
- Strider’s absence could force Atlanta to rely more heavily on younger starters like Kyle Wright or Max Fried in the short term.
- The Braves’ recent series losses may signal deeper pitching staff concerns beyond Strider’s injury.