Reasons Why the Braves Could Remain the NL’s Top Team Even Without Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves received a devastating blow over the weekend as it was confirmed that Spencer Strider, the young right-hander and National League Cy Young favorite, will miss the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury. Strider’s ulnar collateral ligament was found to be damaged, leading to him undergoing elbow surgery. The silver lining is that Strider underwent the less-invasive internal brace procedure, indicating a shorter recovery time compared to Tommy John surgery, which he previously had in 2019.

With Strider out, the Braves will have to navigate the loss of their top strikeout pitcher. While the offense has been performing well, there are concerns about the starting rotation, with Max Fried struggling and a need for a reliable replacement for Strider. Potential options to fill the gap include Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver from the minor leagues.

The Braves, currently leading the NL East, have the luxury of time until the trade deadline in July to fully commit to a replacement for Strider. The team can explore internal options and hope for the best until then. Despite the setback, the Braves remain competitive and are not to be counted out of the title chase. The roster depth and strong performance so far indicate a promising outlook for the team.