Spencer Strider DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) will throw a bullpen session in Tampa on Sunday and then travel with the team to Toronto for their series against the Blue Jays next week. The Athletic's David O'Brien says that it sounds like Spencer Schwellenbach will make his next start on Tuesday on regular rest, with Strider coming off the injured list to make his season debut on Wednesday. Nothing is official yet, but Strider is primed to return to Atlanta's starting rotation after giving up two earned runs on five hits while walking five and striking out 27 in 13 2/3 frames over his three minor-league rehab starts for Triple-A Gwinnett. The 26-year-old All-Star got up to 90 pitches in his final rehab outing and should be fully stretched out for next week. He's coming off an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last April, but Strider has the upside of a fantasy ace if he's right.

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker isn't committing to right-hander Spencer Strider (elbow) being activated from the 15-day injured list next week, but it's the current plan. After undergoing an internal-brace procedure on his right elbow early last year, Strider has worked his way all the way back and is on the cusp of rejoining Atlanta's starting rotation. The 26-year-old former All-Star in 2023 has looked dominant since he started pitching in games in spring training, and he capped it off by striking out 13 batters in 5 1/3 innings in his final minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. Before that, he allowed an earned run in 8 1/3 innings while walking three and striking out 14 in two starts for Gwinnett. Strider go up to 90 pitches on Thursday and should be sufficiently stretched out to debut next week against the Toronto Blue Jays. It goes without saying that he should be rostered in all fantasy formats.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (elbow) dominated in Thursday's minor-league rehab outing as he struck out 13 batters across 5 1/3 innings of work. He allowed just three hits, two walks, and one earned run. This was Strider's third rehab outing with Triple-A Gwinnett. Given that he was able to reach 90 pitches suggests he should be ready to make his regular-season debut in the majors. In his first two outings, Strider struck out 14 batters and allowed one run across 8 1/3 innings of work. Strider has been sidelined since undergoing an internal-brace procedure last April. He was able to participate in spring training but was placed on the 15-day injured list to continue to slowly build up his workload. Fantasy managers should monitor Atlanta's projected starters, as he could make his season debut as early as next week.