Strider reaches 500 Ks in 1st start since 2024
Spencer Strider made his first MLB start in more than a year Wednesday after the Atlanta Braves activated their ace from the injured list.
Strider struck out the Toronto Blue Jays' leadoff hitter, Bo Bichette, on three pitches to kick off his outing.
2 strikeouts for @SpencerSTRIDer in his first inning back on the mound 🔥#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/CkEzxtcTzk
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 16, 2025
He also reached 500 strikeouts during the outing, making him the fastest pitcher to start in at least 50% of their appearances to reach the milestone, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs.
Strider exited the game in the sixth inning after allowing a home run to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., which put the Blue Jays in front 2-0. Strider threw 97 pitches and struck out five.
Strider last pitched in a regular-season game April 5, 2024, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He's been recovering from elbow surgery that required an internal brace to help repair his right ulnar collateral ligament.
The 26-year-old recorded three terrific outings in the minors to begin the season, striking out 27 in 13 2/3 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett.
Strider has been one of baseball's top starters when healthy, authoring a 3.47 ERA and 13.5 K/9 in 329 2/3 innings since 2021. He struck out a league-leading 281 hitters during a 20-win campaign in 2023.
Atlanta optioned right-hander Zach Thompson to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.