Braves' Spencer Strider sidelined until postseason with oblique injury

Atlanta Braves catcher William Contreras (24) talks to starting pitcher Spencer Strider (65) on the pitchers mound during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Braves rookie starter Spencer Strider sidelined until postseason with oblique injury

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 9/24/22

With only a handful of games remaining on the 2022 schedule, the Atlanta Braves remain within striking distance of the first-place New York Mets for the top spot in the NL East.

However, if the Braves are to catch the Mets, they'll have to do so without one of their top-of-the-rotation starters.

On Saturday, the Braves announced that rookie Spencer pitcher Strider will miss the rest of the regular season after placing him on the 15-day injured list with a strained left oblique.

The #Braves today reinstated INF Ehire Adrianza from the 10-day injured list, recalled RHP Alan Rangel to Atlanta, placed RHP Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list, backdated to Sept. 21, with a strained left oblique muscle, & optioned INF Rylan Bannon to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 24, 2022

Strider reportedly suffered the injury during his most recent outing against the Philadelphia Phillies last Sunday. While there was hope Strider could return before the end of the season, his oblique strain was worse than initially thought, leading to an IL stint.

The 23-year-old won't pitch again this season but should be ready for Atlanta's playoff run.

"Hopefully, he heals up and is available," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "We'll know in a week or so."

Strider will be eligible to return to the Braves active roster on October 6, a day before the start of the postseason.

A rookie of the year candidate, Strider has more than impressed during his first full season in the majors. Through 20 starts, Strider posted an 11-5 record with a 2.67 ERA.

In a twisted way, Strider's injury helped him accomplish a major league first.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, Strider is the first pitcher in baseball history to finish a season with more than 200 strikeouts while giving up fewer than 100 hits.

More must-reads: