Spencer Strider was willing to pitch regardless of how he felt.

The former Clemson Tiger is out for the 2024 season after having UCL bracing surgery. He’s a rising star in the MLB and the Atlanta Braves lose one of the best pitchers in the game.

This was an injury Strider had battled through since spring training, but he finally had to speak up about it once it caused too much discomfort. He talked to media about the injury Friday.

“I’ll pitch through anything if I can help the team but I felt like I couldn’t do that any more so it was time to say something,” Strider said.

Over the last two seasons, Strider has struck out an absurd 483 batters. He’s totaled a 3.47 ERA in his young MLB career.

Given the momentum he’s gained so quickly, it’s easy to say this halts what he wants to achieve. Strider doesn’t look at it that way, and instead sees it as just a part of the journey.

“I don’t see an injury as a pause on the timeline or a downward trajectory or anything. I think it’s the same opportunity as you have any day in your life and your career to get better,” Strider said.

This isn’t the first time Strider has battled through a long-term injury. During his Clemson career, he had Tommy John surgery so that’s part of the reason he keeps a level head.

Strider managed to come back the year after and become a fourth-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, so the confidence is warranted. There’s still some other concrete for him though.

The former Tiger took a moment when asked about the pitch clock and the state of the MLB. There’s been an influx of injuries and Strider addressed it.

“I think there is a conversation that needs to happen because I don’t think the league and other entities are acting in a way that’s conducive to player health and creating a healthy environment,” Strider said.

A long rehab begins for Strider. The plan is to be ready for the 2025 season, which is a far better timeline than a second Tommy John.