Spencer Strider threw an absolute gem for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, and looked as dominant as ever pitching six innings, allowing only three hits, one walk, and racking up 13 strikeouts, and earlier today The Morning Shift explained why they think Spencer’s start on Saturday is proof that he’s back to his dominant self.
“Strider was not just good, he was not just locating, but he found a whole mile per hour average faster on his fastball and he hit 98, some people say just once I believe it was multiple times, but he’s found that 98 mile per hour mark, so you can tell he’s getting better.” Beau Morgan said
As Beau mentioned Strider's fastballs were clocked at 97 and 98 mph early in the game, showing a return close to the velocity he featured before having the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow repaired with an internal brace in 2024.
After coming back from his right hamstring strain Strider did not make any rehab starts, so his struggles after coming back from that injury make sense. Saturday’s start was the hard throwing right hander’s fifth start since coming back from that injury, and after that start it’s obvious that he’s feeling 100% again, has finally gotten into a rhythm, and is back to his dominant self.