Spencer Strider DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) will make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. Strider was placed on the 15-day IL earlier this week. Strider is working his way back from an internal brace procedure he underwent last April. He was able to log four innings during spring training and flashed elite strikeout upside as he tallied 10 punchouts over this short stint. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progression in the minor leagues as he could return to the majors later in April. Last season, he was only able to pitch nine innings before being shut down. In 2023, the 26-year-old led the National League in strikeouts (281) and posted a 3.86 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP across 186 2/3 innings. When he does return to the majors, prospect AJ Smith-Shawver or Grant Holmes could lose their spot in the rotation.

The Atlanta Braves officially placed outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) on the injured list, the team announced. Acuna was put on the 10-day IL, while Strider is on the 15-day IL. Additionally, infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) and catcher Sean Murphy (rib cage) were put on the 10-day IL. All the moves were backdated to March 24. Despite tearing both of his ACLs now, RotoBaller has Acuna ranked as the No. 16 fantasy outfielder in 2025. The 27-year-old former MVP and four-time All-Star is expected to make his season debut at some point in May, barring a setback once he resumes playing in games. Strider, meanwhile, is recovering from internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last April, but he's further along and is expected to make his 2025 debut in April. He was able to make two Grapefruit League starts.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) is looking to throw 45-50 pitches in his second Grapefruit League start on Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. Because Strider was able to get up three times in his spring debut on Monday, he could pitch into the fourth inning this weekend. The 26-year-old could leave spring training needing only two to three more tune-up outings before making his 2025 debut. Atlanta will be very cautious with their ace, but Strider's progress so far in camp has been a best-case scenario. Barring a setback as he continues to ramp up after having an internal-brace procedure in mid-April of 2024, Strider should be back no later than late-April. Because of his great progress this spring, Strider's ADP continues to rise, and he's now ranked as the No. 15 fantasy starting pitcher at RotoBaller.