Overview

• Spencer Strider made his 2025 season debut after recovering from elbow surgery, allowing two runs and five hits over five-plus innings with five strikeouts on 97 pitches.
• He became the fastest starting pitcher in MLB history to reach 500 career strikeouts, achieving the milestone in just his 335th inning pitched.
• Despite Strider's return, the Braves lost 3-1 to the Blue Jays, with Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hitting his first home run of the season and Chris Bassitt striking out 10 over five shutout innings.
• Strider's fastball showed strong velocity, averaging 95 mph and topping out at 98 mph, while his pitch mix has expanded to include a curveball and redesigned changeup.
• Braves manager Brian Snitker emphasized Strider's importance to the team as they look to improve on a slow 5-13 start to the season.