Full Breakdown
Spencer Strider Placed on 15-Day Injured List After Elbow Inflammation
6/14/2026, 1:15:10 AM
Core Event
On Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Atlanta Braves placed Spencer Strider on the 15-day injured list for right elbow inflammation. He exited the game versus the New York Mets in the fourth inning after allowing six hits, three homers and seven earned runs in three innings.
Injury History
Strider’s 2026 health issues follow a series of major arm procedures. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019, an internal-brace UCL repair in April 2024, and missed the season’s first 34 games while rehabbing a left oblique strain.
Current Season Statistics
Through eight starts, Strider is 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 46 strikeouts and 20 walks in 39 innings. He has allowed nine home runs, three of them in the Mets outing, and his FIP is 5.37.
Rotation Impact
Strider’s removal deprives the league-leading Braves of a top-of-the-rotation arm. The club will rely on JR Ritchie, who closed the Mets game with five scoreless relief innings, and on Anthony Molina’s recall, while monitoring other injured starters such as Spencer Schwellenbach and AJ Smith-Shawver.
Official Statements & Responses
The Braves announced Strider’s IL placement and Molina’s promotion. Manager Walt Weiss said Strider reported shoulder and elbow soreness, that imaging would determine the injury’s extent, and that the situation “doesn’t look great.” The team pledged to monitor his recovery closely.
Criticism & Concerns
Analysts warned that Strider’s recurring arm issues could force another Tommy John surgery, noting his fastball has slipped from a mid-90s peak to the upper 80s. The decline raises doubts about his long-term role and the Braves’ $75 million contract value.
On-the-Ground Observations
In the Mets start, Strider’s fastball velocity dropped from 95.7 mph in the first inning to 88.7 mph by the fourth. He delivered three fastballs below 90 mph to the final batter, and the Mets responded with three homers and a grand slam.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage labeled Strider’s problem “right arm soreness,” while later statements specified “right elbow inflammation.” Velocity descriptions range from “upper 80s” to exact 87-88 mph readings. No definitive diagnosis has been released pending the pending MRI.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The alarm bells went off when we started seeing the upper 80s with his fastball,” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager
- “It’s never good when a guy walks off the field,” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager
- “He’s been through a lot in the last few years, trying to work his way back.” — Walt Weiss, Braves manager
- “Spencer Strider 4-seam velocity by inning tonight: 1st inning: 95.7 mph 2nd inning: 93.9 mph 3rd inning: 92.4 mph 4th inning: 88.7 mph He final five 4-seamers thrown: 92.5, 90.7, 88.8, 89.6, 87.8” — @nuggetchef, Twitter user
What’s Next
Strider will undergo an MRI before the Braves determine the injury’s severity. He is expected to miss at least two rotation turns, with JR Ritchie slated to start on June 18 versus the Giants. The club may explore trade options if the rotation remains thin.
