When Strider went down in April 2024 with elbow trouble, Braves fans feared the worst. Instead of full Tommy John surgery, he underwent an internal brace procedure — a newer alternative that promised a quicker return. He missed the rest of 2024, but the expectation was 2025 would bring the old Strider back.
That was overly optimistic. Pitchers rarely look like themselves in the first year back. The arm strength might return, but command and confidence lag behind. Strider’s 95.5 mph average velocity is still solid, but it’s a clear dip from 98.1 pre-surgery. The bite is gone, and the control has wavered.