Is Spencer Strider starting for NL in the MLB All-Star Game? Braves ace's availability, explored

If the performance of Atlanta Braves stud Spencer Strider qualifies him for anything at all, it's a spot at the 2023 All-Star Game. At just 24 years old, Strider is showing poise and dominance beyond his years.

A former 35th round Cleveland Indians draft pick, Bryce Elder gained a spot in the Braves' rotation in 2022. That season, he appeared in 31 games, 20 of them starts, compiling a 11-5 record alongside a 2.67 ERA.

2023 is yeilding very similar results for the young pitcher. In 17 starts, Spencer Strider has a record of 10-2, an ERA of 3.66, and a league-high strikeout number of 155.

"Spencer Strider with a common-sense view on the Importance of Velocity." - Rob Friedman

In early July 2022, Strider received word that he had been selected to represent the National League at the 2023 MLB All-Star Game scheduled for July 11 at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners. A graduate of Clemson University in South Carolina, Strider is the first alumnus of the school to be sent to the Midsummer Classic since 1984.

One of the franchise-record eight Atlanta Braves who will head to the All-Star game, questions have started to mount regarding whether or not fans will get to see the Ohio native on the bump.

"For years, I've marveled at Clayton Kershaw's ability to prevent runs at such a high level despite only relying on 3 pitches. Now, Spencer Strider comes along and does it with 2." - Louis Addeo-Weiss

Unfortunately for fans, they probably will not get to see Strider on the mound for the Braves. He is scheduled to start on the mound for his team as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, which means that he will likely be out of commission for the All-Star Game, slated for Tuesday.

Spencer Strider has bigger priorities than All-Star Game this season

When it comes to starting pitching, no team in the NL has figured out the Atlanta Braves. The tremendous performance has been driven by Strider, as well as pitchers like NL ERA leader Spencer Strider.

While the distinction is obviously an honorable one, Strider knows how much work there is to be done on the home front. With the Mets faltering and the Marlins appearing unable to make up the difference, the Braves have the opportunity to focus on ensuring that their 2023 postseason run is done with all the execution and dominance that the team knows it has.