Spencer Strider has been a revelation for the Atlanta Braves in 2022. The rookie has played well beyond what his age and experience would imply. Through his 17 starts, Strider has a 2.79 ERA and an unbelievable 137 strikeouts. He continued mowing down opposing hitters on Thursday en route to a franchise record 16 strikeouts in eight innings of work. That strikeout number is staggering, but his efficiency was just as impressive. Before struggling a bit in the final frame, he was well on his way to a "Maddux" - a complete game in under 100 pitches.
Grant McAuley and Cory McCartney discussed Spencer Strider's success this season and how that should lend itself to postseason starts for the rookie when October rolls around.
"I would almost argue that outside of Max Fried, Spencer Strider is the guy that should get the game two start at this point," McAuley said on Sunday evening. "Max Fried is your number one guy, and I don't think that will change."
Looking ahead to the postseason next month, the Braves will have the luxury of options. Max Fried is the undisputed ace of the staff, but Kyle Wright has also been a top-tier pitcher. He matches Spencer Strider's stat-line with a 2.85 ERA through 25 starts. In this situation, he would come in and be the starter for the rubber match.
Strider has been dominant and would be electric in a game two situation. He averages 13.7 strikeouts per nine innings and would be one of only two players in Major League history that could record 200 or more strikeouts in fewer than 150 innings pitched.
"He has made more and more of a case of being one of the exciting pitchers in all of baseball," McAuley said. "On this staff, in terms of value and domination, this is the kind of pitcher that you want in October."