Brian Snitker hints at Braves rotation look once Spencer Strider returns

The Braves’ rotation has suddenly stepped up when it’s been needed most. Atlanta’s offense can go through lulls, and it’s been in one for the past week or so, but the pitching staff has picked them up.

Since the season finale in Colorado, in which Chris Sale went 7.0 innings while allowing just two runs and punching out 10, the Braves have limited opponents to just a little more than three runs per outing. That might not seem impressive, but considering that inlcudes a 10-run Dodgers onslaught, it’s pretty damn good.

Sale, as mentioned before, has now logged back-to-back outings with 10 strikeouts and two runs total. A.J. Smith-Shawver has strung together several quality outings, including the best of his young career against the Reds, in which he carried a no-hitter into the 8th inning.

Bryce Elder has even stepped up, stringing together three quality outings in as many starts. Despite a hiccup last night, Grant Holmes has also been solid, and the group should be welcoming Spencer Strider back soon.

It seems his return is imminent, and the Braves will have a decision to make about the rotation. Will they demote one of Bryce Elder or A.J. Smith-Shawver? Neither would deserve it, considering how each has pitched recently. Would they just roll with a six-man rotation? Well, Brian Snitker hinted the latter could be the case, according to Grant McAuley.

Brian Snitker indicated the #Braves have discussed utilizing six starters when Spencer Strider returns.

That plan is still TBD and individual performance will obviously play a role in that process.

— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 8, 2025

Obviously, Elder and AJSS would have to continue their run of impressive outings, but let’s just say that happens, the Braves should absolutely roll with a six-man rotation.

They had success with it last year, and it kept them fresh almost until the postseason. The goal should be to get to the stretch as healthy as possible, even if it means getting a few less quality outings from the top of the rotation.

Hell, one of the arms will likely experience regression or another injury, so this could all be a moot point. Elder or AJSS could regress. Holmes, Sale, Strider, or Schwellenbach could take a trip to the injured list.

Keeping all six arms in Atlanta would be my choice.

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David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire

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