With a 3.37 ERA and 483 strikeouts in just 320.2 career innings, Atlanta Braves starter Spencer Strider has been dominating hitters ever since he made his MLB debut in 2021.
The Braves, however, have continually gone with the more experienced Max Fried to be their Opening Day starter in the last three seasons.
It might be about seniority, but Fried is very good in his own right.
Now, however, with Strider being more established as the most dominant pitcher on the staff, he got the Opening Day nod for the first time in his career.
“Spencer Strider in Philly to start the season. First career Opening Day start for No. 99,” Bally Sports: Braves tweeted.
Spencer Strider in Philly to start the season 🍿
First career Opening Day start for No. 99. pic.twitter.com/58XEE2mIB3
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) March 19, 2024
He might have posted a rather disappointing 3.86 ERA in 2023, but Strider led the league with a whopping 281 strikeouts and that definitely means something.
When he goes up on that mound, there isn’t a more feared pitcher in baseball: hitters know that they are likely about to swing at the wind.
If there is a team that has had Strider’s number, however, it’s the Philadelphia Phillies.
Strider has three postseason starts in his short career.
All of them came against the Phils: one in 2022, and two in 2023.
His 5.40 ERA in 15 innings tells the story of a pitcher who has had problems navigating through Philadelphia’s strong lineup.
Oddly enough, Strider has a career 1.90 ERA in 47.1 frames against the Phillies in regular-season play, with 72 punchouts.
Who will win this time, the dominant pitcher or the deep, powerful lineup?
We don’t know, but we are fascinated by the prospect of finding out.
NEXT: Braves Officially Announce 2024 Opening Day Starter