Braves' Spencer Strider gives brutally honest assessment of his season debut vs. Rockies

The Atlanta Braves got an important piece back on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies. Starter Spencer Strider made his season debut after missing the first month due to an injury suffered at the end of Spring Training. It had been known earlier in the week that Strider would return to the mound for Atlanta.

“The Braves will reinstate Spencer Strider from the 15-day injured list on Sunday, manager Walt Weiss told reporters before tonight’s walk-off win over Detroit,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Anthony Franco wrote.

Strider’s outing was less than ideal, as he was unable to make it through four innings against Colorado. The biggest issue was his control, as he struggled with walks throughout the start.

“Spencer Strider had a mixed bag in his season debut Sunday, walking five and striking out six in 3 1/3 innings on the hill in the Braves' 11-6 win over the Rockies at Coors Field. Strider started the season on the injured list with a left oblique muscle strain. He allowed three earned runs on four hits. The five walks tied a career high, also at Coors Field on June 4, 2022, and it was just the fifth start in his career where he pitched 3 1/3 or fewer innings,” MLB.com’s Owen Perkins wrote.

After the game, Strider didn’t hold back when evaluating his performance.

“I’d rather be pitching than hurt, for sure, but I don’t want a participation trophy. I’m here to help the team win games. I’m getting paid a ridiculous amount of money to do it. If I can’t, then that’s a problem,” Strider told the media.

Strider is often his own toughest critic, and he clearly understands there is work to be done. His next start is scheduled for next weekend on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

If Strider continues to struggle with command, the Dodgers’ offense could take advantage. It will be important to see how he responds, but it’s clear he was not satisfied with his first outing of the season.

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