The Atlanta Braves have dropped to 5-13 on the season after a horrid performance in their series finale with the Blue Jays. Spencer Strider made his long-awaited debut, and while he wasn't dominant, he still showed how valuable he is.
Strider allowed two earned runs through five innings with one walk and five strikeouts. Brian Snitker sent him out for the sixth inning, and that was a massive mistake with Strider at 85 pitches. He gave up a homer to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and walked Anthony Santander before he was removed at 97 pitches.
The offense didn't do Strider any favors. They should have been able to cover a two-run deficit, but instead struck out 19 times and went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position. Drake Baldwin hit his first home run in the ninth inning, but outside of that, there was no offense to be found.
Spencer Strider's comments after loss to Blue Jays highlights the resolve of the Braves' clubhouse
After the game, Matt Olson made his feelings known with an NSFW answer in his interview. Spencer Strider had more to add to the horrific start to the season. Atlanta's ace stated the team isn't in a good position right now, but that it's early in the season. He continued, "You know, ff people want to doubt us, that's great. Bring it on."
He even remarked that if the team lost every game the rest of the season, they'd do it the right way by "Grinding it out." It's great to see this mentality because it highlights that no matter how bad things are, this team is giving their all each and every day.
It may not seem that way with how the record looks at the moment, but comments from inside the clubhouse prove otherwise. They all care very much about giving their all.
Strider also touched on how important the rotation's role is right now. The offense is scuffling, and it feels like the pitchers have to be perfect to give them a shot to win. That just shows the competitive spirit embodied by the right-hander. However, he is not at fault for the bats stinking it up the way they did.
Wednesday's start was very good for Strider as he reached a career milestone. He became the fastest MLB pitcher to reach 500 strikeouts in just 334 innings. Things will only improve from this point, and Strider will eventually return to his dominant self.