The Braves embarrassingly fell to the Pirates behind a pathetic showing from the bats against one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. He certainly won’t help in that aspect, but the club could welcome back Spencer Strider this week.

According to Mark Bowman, Strider believes he is ready to start a game for the major-league club after throwing several bullpens, but Bowman did note the team hasn’t decided whether he’ll be activated this week.

Strider felt good again yesterday and he believes he would be ready to start a game for Atlanta this week. The team hasn’t decided whether he’ll be activated this week.

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 11, 2025

The Braves’ rotation surprisingly hasn’t been the problem over the last couple of weeks; in fact, each piece has had very inspiring results. From the top of the rotation to the back end, Atlanta’s starters have been much better.

Spencer Strider will still be an improvement, but the Braves have a difficult decision to make. The club could option one of Bryce Elder or A.J. Smith-Shawver, with the former being more likely, to make room for Strider. They could also move an arm to the bullpen, like Grant Holmes.

The Braves also have a stretch coming up without an off-day that could warrant carrying six starters. Regardless, adding Spencer Strider to the roster can only be seen as a positive. As for the lineup, Ronald Acuna Jr. can’t get here fast enough.

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Photo: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire