Spencer Strider’s meteoric rise landed him in the majors.
The right-hander, whom the Braves drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, was promoted to the big-league team Friday for the final weekend of the regular season. It completes a remarkable one-season leap for Strider, a Clemson product who now joins the Braves’ bullpen.
“It’s impressive (that he already has reached the majors),” manager Brian Snitker said. “I know (general manager) Alex (Anthopoulos) saw him the other day and was very impressed with what he saw. I heard a lot about him, read the reports. Everything is really good. He’s a college guy. We’ll give him a short look here.”
The 22-year-old pitched at four minor-league levels this season. He jumped from Low-A Augusta to Triple-A Gwinnett in his first campaign. Strider made only one appearance in Gwinnett, striking out the side in his inning of work.
Strider had 153 strikeouts over 94 innings this season, giving him a robust 14.65 strikeouts per nine innings. His unexpected promotion is a reward for his stand-out performance. Strider, whose fastball has touched triple digits, is wearing No. 65.
In other moves, the Braves recalled lefty Dylan Lee to the bullpen. Lee will make his major-league debut if he enters a game. The team optioned southpaw Sean Newcomb to Gwinnett and placed righty Edgar Santana on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 28, with a strained right intercostal muscle.
Braves notes:
- The Braves rested several regular position players Friday against the Mets, including first baseman Freddie Freeman, shortstop Dansby Swanson, catcher Travis d’Arnaud and outfielders Adam Duvall and Jorge Soler. Snitker indicated that other starters will rest Saturday. He plans to play most of the regulars in Sunday’s regular-season finale. The team will have four days off before the National League Division Series begins in Milwaukee on Oct. 8.
- Freeman received treatment on his elbow Friday, Snitker said. He was hit by a 99-mph pitch in Thursday’s win over the Phillies. “He wants to play tomorrow,” Snitker said.
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