When Strider went down in April 2024 with elbow trouble, Braves fans feared the worst. Instead of full Tommy John surgery, he underwent an internal brace procedure — a newer alternative that promised a quicker return. He missed the rest of 2024, but the expectation was 2025 would bring the old Strider back.
That was overly optimistic. Pitchers rarely look like themselves in the first year back. The arm strength might return, but command and confidence lag behind. Strider’s 95.5 mph average velocity is still solid, but it’s a clear dip from 98.1 pre-surgery. The bite is gone, and the control has wavered.
The Hamstring Complication
As if the elbow weren’t enough, Strider strained his hamstring in April 2025, just weeks into his comeback. For a pitcher who generates velocity from explosive lower-half movement, that was a major setback. Strider himself has admitted his legs aren’t driving the way they once did, leaving his mechanics “out of sync.”
Why the Braves Must Wait
His 5–12 record and 4.97 ERA sting, but context matters. This season is more about building durability than dominance. Expecting Cy Young-level performance 16 months after surgery was unfair.
The Braves face a tough question: can they win a World Series while waiting on Strider? They might need to add another top starter this offseason. But giving up on him now would be premature. The smarter play is patience.
History Says There’s Hope
Look around MLB history:
- Jacob deGrom didn’t fully regain form until two years after early elbow issues.
- Nathan Eovaldi struggled before becoming a postseason hero years post-surgery.
- John Smoltz returned from Tommy John and pitched another decade.
Strider’s stuff, even diminished, is better than most. If he has a healthy offseason, 2026 could be his real return.