Atlanta Braves share update on Spencer Strider UCL injury, could shake up NL East Standings moving forward

During Friday’s start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Spencer Strider was feeling some discomfort in his elbow. 

The Braves announced Saturday that Strider underwent an MRI which revealed damage to his UCL and while the team didn’t make a definitive statement on the next step, he will be visiting Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX in the coming days. 

Spencer Strider UCL Injury

Spencer Strider today underwent an MRI that revealed damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He will be further evaluated by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX, at a date yet to be determined.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 6, 2024

The doctor’s name is important because typically, when baseball players visit Meister, it’s because they will need Tommy John surgery. On top of that, a UCL injury is a pretty strong indicator that surgery will be needed. 

Strider, who will likely undergo his second Tommy John Surgery, proved to be the Braves’ ace last season while posting a 20-5 record with a 3.86 ERA to go along with 281 strikeouts in 186.2 innings of work. 

The Atlanta Braves are in serious trouble just a few weeks into the 2024 regular season. If they lose Strider to Tommy John surgery, they’ll now have to rely on Max Fried (injured last season), Charlie Morton (40 years old) and Chris Sale (injury-prone) to keep things afloat moving forward. 

The Philadelphia Phillies and NL East Standings

The Philadelphia Phillies clawed back to the .500 mark yesterday thanks to Ranger Suarez and a red hot JT Realmuto at the plate. The Fighting are in second place in the NL East at 4-4 behind the Atlanta Braves, who sit atop the division with a 5-2 record. 

JT Realmuto 3-Run Home Run

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