North Gwinnett News

Spencer Strider is looking toward the defending champion Atlanta Braves’ bullpen this year after just one year in his professional career, according to a recent report by MLB.com.

Strider began last season with the Low-A Augusta Greenjackets, MLB reported. The “hard-throwing right-hander” had never pitched at the professional level before last year.

“He’s got a big arm,” Braves manager Brian Snitker told MLB.com. “I think the taste he got last year will serve him well. He’s an interesting guy.”

According to the report, Strider missed the 2019 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Despite having made just four starts for Clemson before the 2020 season was halted by COVID-19, the Braves took him in the fourth round of that summer’s draft and watched him push through four levels during his first Minor League season in 2021.

“A year ago, my vision for how I was going to get to the big leagues was a lot different, a lot longer,” Strider told MLB.com. “So, to be around camp and these guys as long as I have been, regardless of how anything turns out, it’s obviously been very beneficial.”

Strider's fastball averaged 97.9 mph during his short big-league stint last year, MLB reports. With Major League clubs able to use a 28-man roster throughout April, there is a chance Strider may begin this season as a sixth starter, closer or long reliever at the big-league level.