Atlanta “Today” “Spence” Strider made frightened remarks that were disliked
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In a 4-1 victory over the Reds, the 23-year-old rookie for the Atlanta Braves—a former Clemson Tiger—went six innings, improving to 4-2 and striking out 11 in the process.
With a whiff percentage of 48%, which is the second-highest of any Braves starting pitcher this season, Strider was practically unhittable. In order to tie his career best in strikeouts, he also struck out two batters in each of the first five innings of his outing.
Strider touched triple digits on his fastball 14 times during his outing, including a third-inning pitch that clocked in at 102.4 mph — the fastest strike not put in play by a starter in the pitch-tracking era (since 2008).
Strider is the third player listed at +500 to win NL Rookie of the Year, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Strider, who pitched for the Tigers for just two seasons, was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. He had Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2019 and was on his way to getting back to his old form when COVID-19 ended the 2020 season in mid-March.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Brian Snitker said on Friday that Spencer Strider will start for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday when they play the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte to open the Grapefruit League season. Marcell Ozuna will also get some time at first base.
Strider will be in the mix to start on Opening Day for the Braves. He put together a massive season in 2023 where he broke John Smoltz’s franchise record for strikeouts in a single season with 281. He also logged a career-high 186 2⁄3 innings while posting a 3.86 ERA and a 2.85 FIP.
Ozuna at first base will be a new look for the longtime outfielder and DH. Ozuna spent time last season working with Ron Washington and played some first base during the intersquad scrimmages in the lead up to the Division Series. This will be his first real look at first base in game action.
Also per Bowman, Jarred Kelenic and Michael Harris are set to make their spring debuts in Saturday’s opener. For Kelenic, it will be his Braves debut after coming to Atlanta in an offseason trade with the Seattle Mariners.
