For the first time all season, the Braves are facing significant adversity. Not only have they lost three straight for just the second time in 2026, but they may have also lost Spencer Strider for the remainder of the season.
Strider gave up seven runs in just three innings, but the real story was the injury he suffered along the way — his fastball dipping into the 80s toward the end of the outing. Weiss said after the game that Strider was experiencing both elbow and shoulder soreness, and he’s already been placed on the 15-day IL with what the Braves are calling right elbow inflammation.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Anthony Molina to Atlanta and placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. Additionally, C Drake Baldwin begins a rehabilitation assignment tonight with Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 13, 2026
Perhaps that’s exactly what it is — something that may just require a month of rest. But all the signs point to the contrary. This could be another season-ending ordeal for Strider, the second he’s experienced over the last three seasons.
It’s an incredibly unfortunate turn that Braves fans have unfortunately become all too accustomed to. Over a half-decade ago, Michael Soroka looked like he was on the path to a Hall of Fame career before back-to-back Achilles injuries essentially ended his time in Atlanta. After him came Kyle Wright, who led the league in wins before a shoulder injury all but ended his career. Wright was traded less than two years later and still hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2023.
Spencer Strider’s last three years might be the most heartbreaking of all, however. This was an arm on the path to being the most dominant in baseball — a strikeout machine with several Cy Young awards seemingly waiting for him around the corner.
That all changed when he underwent InternalBrace surgery in 2024. There hasn’t been a moment since where he’s looked anything like the pitcher who tormented offenses with 100 MPH heat, and it’s difficult to imagine a third significant arm injury making the road back any easier.
Strider is the ultimate competitor — an extremely hard worker who pours his heart and soul into perfecting his craft. Writing him off may be premature, but the hill is beginning to look impossibly steep. Another potential nightmare ending for one of the Braves’ most gifted arms.
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Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire