Spencer Strider had a great 2023 regular season. The flame throwing righty finished the campaign with a 20-5 record while sporting a 3.86 ERA. His most impressive stat, however, remains his ability to strike out the opposing side. Strider’s 281 strikeouts set a franchise single-season record and also lead MLB this season. His biggest challenge remains ahead of him.
Strider will be relied upon as the ace of the starting rotation after both Max Fried and Charlie Morton sustained injuries. Fried will be back for the NLDS but it remains to be seen if the blister he sustained will affect his ability to throw. Morton will be out through the series and is expected to rejoin the squad if they make the NLCS. Strider will be tasked with making multiple starts in a series if necessary and being the stopper should the team get down.
Dukes & Bell know the importance Strider has with the state of the rotation being in flux right now
“Listen, if we were full strength I’d feel better about how I rate (the teams) man-to-man. Strider vs (Zack) Wheeler, if you go down the list one guy after the next without the injury situation. Here’s the fear, if you’re going to be fearful of anything, and we have no control over this: two things need to happen this weekend. Braves have to step up and show they are him. And the Falcons need to avoid a three-game losing streak,” Carl Dukes explained.
Max Fried, for now, is the Ace of the Braves’ rotation. But Strider can take the mantle from him if he dominates in multiple outings. Fried has been struck by injury and illness in the playoffs through the years so consistency from Strider will go a long way. Fried’s long-term future with the team also remains unclear as he is seeking a new contract similar to other pitchers of his stature.