Spencer Strider attended the press conference, underscoring his role as a core piece of Atlanta’s rotation and the team’s optimistic outlook during leadership change.

<p>Strider suffered a rough night, giving up three runs on eight hits with five strikeouts and two walks, marking his first losing season and a personal low-water mark in the 2025 campaign.</p><p>The performance underscored a season-long trend that has Braves fans concerned about the rotation’s consistency down the stretch.</p>

Strider has rebuilt form with two wins and two quality starts in his last three, averaging ~41.7 FanDuel Points. Facing Pittsburgh, he benefits from a Pirates lineup that strikes out at a middling rate. He’s allowed two runs or fewer in four of his last five outings and has shown solid strikeout consistency, making him a strong cash-game anchor with tournament upside.

Strider’s comeback from Tommy John is central to 2026 upside; the more he distances from surgery, the more fantasy-dominant he could become with strikeouts and rotation dominance.

Spencer Strider, a 2023 All-Star, lines up against Detroit in a Sunday showcase that could swing the division. His dynamic pitching profile makes him a focal point for fantasy rosters and betting plans in the final week.