Spencer Strider’s Velocity Was Down, but His Fastball Shape Is BACK | Atlanta Braves Podcast

Host Lindsay Crosby breaks down Spencer Strider’s spring training debut (2 innings, 32 pitches, 1 run, 2 Ks) and argues concerns about his reduced fastball velocity are premature given the tiny sample and Strider’s deliberate slow ramp-up plan. The key takeaway is that Statcast showed Strider’s fastball induced vertical break back near his 2023 level, with coaches and teammates noting the pitch is “jumping,” suggesting effectiveness can return as velocity builds. Crosby also shares an update on Hurston Waldrep’s elbow procedure, the Braves’ offense looking strong in small spring samples, highlights, and spotlights prospects JR Ritchie and John Gil.

Join our NEW Discord: https://discord.gg/wksQqVNEpX
Follow the show on Twitter: @braves_today
Follow Lindsay on Twitter: @CrosbyBaseball
Read our written work: bravestoday.substack.com
Send us questions: contact@bravestoday.com
Sign up for FanTrax's best in class fantasy baseball platform at FanTrax.com/BravesToday
Get 20% off at NCase Cards with promo code "BravesToday"

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.