The Phenomenal Rookie Season of Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider

The Phenomenal Rookie Season of Braves Pitcher Spencer Strider

The Atlanta Braves had an exciting 2022 season, winning 101 games and clinching their fifth straight National League East division title. One of the major reasons for their success was the emergence of rookie pitcher Spencer Strider. The 23-year-old took the league by storm, putting together one of the most dominant seasons by a rookie pitcher in recent memory.

Strider's Path to the Majors

Strider was drafted by the Braves in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB draft out of Clemson University. He flew through the Braves' minor league system in 2021, reaching the Triple-A level by the end of the season. Strider impressed with his blazing fastball and devastating slider, striking out 163 batters in 106 innings across three minor league levels.

The Braves invited Strider to 2022 spring training, where he continued to impress. His electric stuff proved too much for batters to handle, earning Strider a spot in the Braves' opening day bullpen. He made his MLB debut on April 10th, 2022, striking out the side in a perfect inning of relief against the Cincinnati Reds.

Dominant Stretch as Starter

Strider spent the first two months of 2022 pitching out of the bullpen, where he thrived in a multi-inning relief role. In June, the Braves transitioned him to the starting rotation to fill a need. Strider exceeded expectations, quickly becoming the Braves most reliable starter.

From June 12th through the end of the regular season, Strider made 20 starts, posting a 2.67 ERA with 130 strikeouts over 86 innings. He held opponents to a paltry .190 batting average while allowing just 7 home runs. Strider's ridiculous strikeout ability allowed him to overpower hitters. He struck out 13 batters in a start against the Rockies in August.

Record-Setting Strikeout Numbers

Strider set numerous strikeout records in his first MLB season. His 153 strikeouts over 131 2/3 innings were the most ever by a Braves rookie in a single season. He became the first Braves pitcher to record double-digit strikeouts in four straight starts.

Strider finished the 2022 season with 202 strikeouts, second only to Alcantara in the NL. He struck out at least 10 batters in six of his 20 starts, including two 13 strikeout performances. Strider's 16.43 strikeouts per nine innings was the highest mark all-time by a rookie (min. 100 IP).

Heat and Whiffs with His Fastball

The root of Strider's strikeout prowess is his lightning fast fastball. He averaged 98.6 mph on his four-seamer in 2022, topping out at 102.5 mph. Hitters struggled to even make contact, hitting just .181 against Strider's four-seamer.

Of his 202 total strikeouts, a whopping 139 came via the four-seam fastball. Strider also mixed in a power slider that baffled hitters at an 87 mph average velocity. When hitters geared up for the heat, Strider would snap off a sharp slider to keep them off balance.

A Star Rookie Jersey to Buy

Spencer Strider's rookie season established him as not just one of the Braves rising stars, but one of the most exciting young players in baseball. For Braves fans, Strider's #65 jersey is sure to be one of the hottest items this offseason.

The hard throwing right-hander delivered a season for the ages that fans will never forget. As the Braves seek to defend their World Series title in 2023, Strider will be a major key to repeating. Get your authentic Braves Strider jersey and support one of the MLB's brightest young talents.

FAQs

What number is Spencer Strider?

Spencer Strider wears #65 for the Atlanta Braves.

What was Spencer Strider's ERA in 2022?

Strider had a 2.67 ERA over 131 2/3 innings pitched for the Braves in his rookie 2022 season.

How many strikeouts did Strider have in 2022?

Strider struck out 202 batters over 131 2/3 innings in 2022, setting the Braves franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie pitcher.

What was Strider's fastest pitch in 2022?

Strider threw a 102.5 mph fastball in August 2022, which is the fastest pitch of his career so far.

Where can I buy a Strider Braves jersey?

Authentic Braves Strider jerseys are available on MLBShop.com, the official online store of Major League Baseball.