Atlanta Braves right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider’s start against the New York Mets on Friday ended early after he exited in the fourth inning due to right arm soreness, with the team later confirming discomfort in both his shoulder and elbow. New York went on to defeat Atlanta 7-5 in the matchup at Citi Field.
Strider’s outing unraveled after a noticeable drop in velocity, falling from about 96 mph early to the 92-94 mph range and eventually dipping below 90 mph, with final fastballs recorded between 87.8 mph and 89.6 mph. He left the game following a leadoff walk to MJ Melendez, after which manager Walt Weiss and team trainers conducted a mound visit before escorting him off the field.
On the mound, Strider allowed seven earned runs on six hits across three-plus innings, including three home runs. His line also included 68 pitches, 43 strikes, three strikeouts, one walk, and one hit batter. The Mets’ early damage included back-to-back home runs by Bo Bichette and Juan Soto in the first inning, followed later by Bichette’s grand slam.
Across the 2026 season, Strider has now pitched eight games, owning a 5.31 ERA over 39 innings with 46 strikeouts. His previous seasons included a 4.45 ERA over 23 games last year, a 3.86 ERA with a career-high 281 strikeouts in 2023, and a 2.67 ERA in 2022.
JR Ritchie replaced Strider and logged five innings of relief work, throwing 73 pitches and recording five strikeouts to steady Atlanta’s bullpen.
Offensively, Matt Olson hit a home run while Ozzie Albies collected two hits as the Braves finished with nine hits and five runs. Atlanta now holds a 45-24 record and remains first in the National League East, while the Mets sit at 31-38. The teams are scheduled to meet again Saturday in New York.
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