“A huge blow to the game” – MLB fans react as Spencer Strider sets to miss rest of 2024 season following UCL surgery

A timeline on Spencer Strider’s actual return is yet to be announced, however his 2024 season is effectively over.

Spencer Strider (Image via Imago)

It is now officially confirmed that Spencer Strider‘s 2024 season is over. A week after the pitcher was diagnosed with a Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) tear in his right elbow, the Atlanta Braves on Saturday announced that he has now undergone a surgery to repair this and will miss the rest of the 2024 campaign.

The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher came out of the game early against the Arizona Diamondbacks last week. After throwing four innings, he complained about discomfort in his right elbow and asked coach Brian Snitker to take him out of the match.

When asked about his thoughts to this, Snitker said he “didn’t really have a reaction” to it. The coach claimed they knew this was coming but did back Strider to come back stronger than ever.

I didn’t really have (a reaction). I knew that probably was going to happen, and he should be back stronger than ever. If anybody’s going to overcome something, it’s going to be that kid.

Brian Snitker said as per MLB.com.

Strider was one of the best performers of the Atlanta Braves last season. He would finish the 2023 season with a 20-5 record while leading the majors in wins and strikeouts (281). Despite these dominating performances, he was not listed as one of the three finalists for the National League CY Young Award.

Fan reactions to Spencer Strider’s injury

The fans had already got worried when they saw Spencer Strider come out of the game injured. The news of him going for an MRI on his right elbow saw them get nervous. Many had already started to fear for the worst regarding him.

Unfortunately, their worst nightmare has come through as Strider went the UCL surgery. This is though not the Tommy John surgery which he previously underwent in 2019.

Spencer Strider (Image via Imago)
Reacting to this, fans on X expressed their sorrow while some wished him well and hoped to see him back on the mound soon. One fan in particular was surprised to hear this and called it a big “blow” to baseball.

Wow….what a huge blow to the game of baseball. Spencer is electric to watch

One X user commented.

Check out that and some more reactions below:

The big question now is, who will fill Strider’s place in the starting rotation. They recently used Allan Winans and gave him the spot start against the New York Mets which did not end well. After throwing five innings and conceding six runs in the 16-4 blowout defeat, he was sent down to the minors in place of Darius Vines.

Apart from them, the team has the option to use No.1 and No.2 prospects AJ Smith-Shawver and Hurston Waldrep respectively. The former can be the one who could be called up as the latter is currently in the Double-A.