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Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves delivers during the second inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on August 25, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves are currently taking on the Colorado Rockies. Atlanta is going for the sweep on Sunday. As part of a few roster moves, which included Ronald Acuña Jr. landing on the Injured List, starter Spencer Strider was also reinstated to make his 2026 season debut.

Spencer Strider got the ball on Sunday afternoon, and all things considered (like pitching in Coors Field.. still confused on the decision behind that), he pitched fairly well. He was removed in the bottom of the fourth inning after giving up a leadoff triple and then striking out Edouard Julien. HYe was relieved by Aaron Bummer, who immediately gave up a two-run home run. At the time of writing this, the Braves trail the Rockies 4-3.

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Spencer Strider’s Season Debut Draws Strong Reactions

GettySpencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on September 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Edward M. Pio Roda/Getty Images)

The book is officially closed on Spencer Strider’s season debut. Before the season started, in spring training, Strider tweaked his oblique, and the Braves were left without his services for the first month of the season. Despite that, they still excelled and hold MLB’s best record.

Chad Bishop wrote (on May 3): 

“Final line on Spencer Strider: 3 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 Ks, 4 H, 87 pitches (48 strikes)”

“Final line for Spencer Strider, now that Aaron Bummer wasn’t able to clean up his mess: 3.1IP, 4H, 3ER, 5BB/6Ks on 87 pitches (48 strikes). 14 whiffs and a 24% CSW while struggling with four-seam locations”

“The positive of Strider’s first start, 6 punchies The negatives? Most everything else Not going to put too much weight on his first start in Coors Field”

Spencer Strider figures to be a strong piece to the Braves’ rotation, so taking too much into account after a start at Coors Field would be unfair.

Spencer Strider Makes First Start in 2026 With Braves

GettySpencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves walks off the field after giving up a two-run home run to Blake Perkins #16 of the Milwaukee Brewers during the fourth inning at Truist Park on August 6, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. Strider gave up five runs over 4.2 innings. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Braves have received really solid contributions from all their starters so far this season, and it’s actually been one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team.

Last season, Strider had a 7-14 record with a 4.45 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 125+ innings.

This is a big year for Strider, who is still a couple years removed from Tommy John Surgery, but because of the velocity dip after that procedure, Strider has been less effective. He’s no longer able to throw 98-100 MPH like he could to start his career, but he’s trying to find new ways to reinvent his arsenal, like adding a curveball, which was effective on Sunday.

Strider has been sidelined by a Grade 1 oblique strain earlier this year and made three rehab starts before starting on Sunday, striking out 18 batters in 12+ innings and had a 1.42 ERA.

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