3 Atlanta Braves injuries that could doom chances of World Series repeat
By Kevin Henry
2) Braves can’t afford injury to Spencer Strider
On the mound, the Braves are still waiting to see when Spencer Strider will be available to once again join the rotation. Sidelined by a sore oblique, Strider is eligible to come off the 15-day injured list on the final day of the regular season (Wednesday), but Snitker has said that there is no determination yet if the 23-year-old right-hander will be ready for action when his activation time comes.
One of two Atlanta candidates to win National League Rookie of the Year (along with outfielder Michael Harris II), Strider has been a key figure in the Braves rotation since his first start on May 30. Strider established a franchise record for strikeouts with 16 in a September 1 outing against the Colorado Rockies, one of two outings in September where he registered 10 or more whiffs.
Strider has reportedly been doing exercises to strengthen his core but, as of Saturday, Strider had yet to begin throwing again.
In the postseason, Atlanta’s rotation will likely be sheared down and the Braves have plenty of depth, but missing a key piece like Strider for any length of time in the postseason could be a big negative for Atlanta.