Atlanta Braves ace right-hander Spencer Strider’s season is in doubt after an MRI revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The severity of the injury is still unknown, but manager Brian Snitker expressed concern, stating that such injuries often lead to season-ending Tommy John surgery. This comes as Cleveland Guardians’ ace Shane Bieber also faces the same fate.
Despite the uncertainty, Snitker remains optimistic about Strider’s long-term prospects, believing he will come back stronger after treatment. Strider, who led the majors in wins last season, had a standout performance with 281 strikeouts. However, his ERA this year stands at 7.00 after just two starts.
The Braves will have to make arrangements to fill Strider’s spot in the rotation while he undergoes evaluation and potential treatment. Snitker emphasized the need to assess various variables before making any decisions regarding the pitching staff.
In the larger context of baseball, UCL injuries have become a growing concern due to the increased velocity and spin rates in pitching. While Strider’s injury is a setback, Snitker believes that the young pitcher has a bright future ahead and will bounce back from this challenge.
As Strider awaits further evaluation by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, Texas, fans can only hope for the best for the talented right-hander. Stay tuned for updates on Strider’s condition as the Braves navigate this unexpected turn of events. For more MLB news, visit the AP MLB hub.
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