Atlanta Braves ace Spencer Strider has taken a massive step forward on the road to recovery. Pitching in his first game since undergoing an elbow brace procedure last April, which ended his 2024 season prematurely,

Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider showed no signs of rust in his return to the mound Monday, striking out six of the eight Boston batters he faced in 2 2/3 perfect innings. Strider said it was "fun to play" again following his sparkling Grapefruit League performance against the Red Sox in North Port,

Indeed the Braves pitcher was “so back.” Strider took the mound and played like he’d never left. In just over two innings he struck out not one but six Red Sox batters. When he was removed from the game in the third inning he received a standing ovation from the Braves fans in the crowd.