Spencer Strider's return to the mound for the Braves in 2025 is one of the most anticipated aspects for the season. Strider's growth has been remarkable since he entered the league but was put on pause after requiring UCL surgery to end his season. Hall-of-Famer John Smoltz joined Dukes & Bell Thursday and discussed how Strider can remain a mainstay in the rotation for years to come.
Smoltz, who also underwent elbow surgery in his career, says Strider needs to pitch more to quadrants of the plate and not rear back and throw as hard as he can as much. Smoltz says the ability to locate and throw his secondary pitches to deceive hitters is just as, if not more important than his ability to blow hitters away.
The team will need Strider to return to his ace form if they are to contend for another World Series title. His health and ability to take the ball every fifth day could be the difference maker during the path to the postseason.