Braves Activate Spencer Strider from Injured List for Nationals Start

The Atlanta Braves are set to activate ace pitcher Spencer Strider from the injured list for Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals, marking his return after nearly a month sidelined with a hamstring injury. Strider, who missed most of the previous season due to elbow surgery, last pitched a simulated game of 65 pitches as part of his rehab and is expected to have a limited workload initially. The Braves have made roster moves to accommodate his return, optioning left-hander Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett and sending starter Bryce Elder down earlier to make room in the rotation. Strider will take over Elder’s spot in the rotation and is favored in his first matchup against a Nationals team struggling against right-handed pitching. His return provides a significant boost to the Braves' pitching staff, which has experienced mixed results from the back end of the rotation. The team plans further starts for Strider later in the week, signaling confidence in his recovery and value to the rotation.