The Atlanta Braves are reeling from a tough loss to the Blue Jays on Tuesday, as Spencer Schwellenbach had a rare clunker. However, that sting didn't last very long as the team finally announced the return of their flamethrowing ace.
Spencer Strider was returned from his rehab assignment this morning and will get his first start of the season. Strider takes the mound for the rubber match against the Jays in Toronto. RHP Zach Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett as a corresponding move.
Braves return Spencer Strider from his rehab assignment, option Zach Thompson to Triple-A Gwinnett
It has been a long time coming for Strider, who has been recovering from a UCL brace procedure. He has looked excellent in his rehab starts with the Stripers and will certainly give the Blue Jays a test. Atlanta's rotation is immediately better with Strider, especially with Reynaldo Lopez being out for a couple of months.
This move also should spell the end for Bryce Elder, who has not been very good in his starts for Lopez. AJ Smith-Shawver is currently at Triple-A, but the team only optioned him so they could have an extra bullpen arm.
Once he's eligible to return to the big league roster, expect the Braves to option Elder and bring AJSS back. This would give Atlanta an excellent rotation with Sale, Strider, Schwellenbach, Holmes, and Smith-Shawver.
While the last two spots seem weak, Holmes turned in the best start of his career during game one of the series in Toronto. Smith-Shawver has struggled a bit, but his last start showed promise that he's beginning to turn the corner.
Strider's return is a massive upgrade for the Braves and should make fans more excited despite how tough the season has been to this point. The offense still has to score runs to help Strider out, but it will be a nice shot in the arm for the team.
This also means Ronald Acuña Jr. is one step closer to returning, as he and Strider were on similar timelines. Acuña was recently cleared to begin ramping up baseball activities. He will eventually be ready for his own rehab assignment and possibly return sometime in May.
It's nice to get some good news in the midst of what has been a not so good season for the Braves.