Strider struck out four batters over two scoreless innings in his first Grapefruit League action of the spring Saturday against the Rays.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander allowed one hit and and one walk, and per David O'Brien of The Athletic, he was already hitting 98-99 mph with his fastball even though it isn't even March yet. Strider also incorporated the curveball he's been working on, throwing three of them and liking the results. "I think every time [the curve] was effective," Strider said after the start. "And it's a pitch that, similarly to the changeup, is an effective pitch any time I throw it, regardless of what the outcome is. Because my strengths are my fastball and my slider. So everything I'm doing is trying to help those pitches. And so that's how today was very educational, starting to see the sequencing and the feedback from hitters in a competitive environment." Strider threw his fastball and slider almost 93 percent of the time in 2023, and while that likely isn't going to change significantly this season, having another pitch he trusts in his repertoire could allow the 25-year-old ace to become the first pitcher to record 300 strikeouts in a season since Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander both reached that mark in 2019.

Strider unveiled a curveball during a live batting practice session against Matt Olson on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

After the BP session, Strider was reluctant to label his new toy as a true curveball, instead suggesting it was just a modified version of his slider. "The terminology, you know, on all this stuff - sweeper, slider, cutter, curve, slurve, who knows what anything does? I think it's just manipulating the ball a little more, seeing what kind of different shapes I can get." The right-hander has become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball while relying on two pitches, a fastball that in 2023 had an average velocity of 97.2 mph (93rd percentile) and a slider that generated a 55.3 percent whiff rate. Strider did sprinkle in a changeup once in a while last year (7.3 percent), but if he can add another breaking pitch as well, at-bats against him could become even more frustrating.

Strider took the loss in Thursday's 3-1 defeat to the Phillies in Game 4 of the NLDS, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks across 5.2 innings. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Strider was not as sharp as his start in Game 1 of the series and once again found himself on the wrong side of the decision. The bulk of the damage came on two home runs from Nick Castellanos in the fourth and sixth innings, both of which came on pitches Strider left inside to the pull-happy outfielder. Although Strider struggled with allowing constant traffic on the basepaths, he also racked up 19 whiffs, underscoring the rollercoaster command that plagued him in this start. His postseason concluded with a 2.84 ERA and 1.34 WHIP across 12.2 innings with 15 strikeouts.

Strider will start Thursday in Game 4 of the NLDS in Philadelphia, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was merely a formality, as Strider started Game 1 and will be on regular rest Thursday. He took the loss in the series opener in spite of a terrific effort which saw him allow two runs (one earned) while striking out eight over seven innings. The Phillies have not yet confirmed their Game 4 starter, but it's expected to be Ranger Suarez.

Strider will start Saturday against the Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS.

EDGE Analysis

Strider struggled toward the end of the regular season, posting a 5.60 ERA and 1.32 WHIP across 27.1 innings in September. However, he was dominant in the two starts he made against the Phillies that month, giving up four runs over 14 innings while striking out 20 batters and walking just two.

Strider (20-5) earned the win Saturday, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks over five innings against the Nationals. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Strider closed out the 2023 regular season on a high note Saturday, posting a quality start and fanning seven batters en route to his 20th win of the campaign. While the 24-year-old allowed three or more runs in five of his last six starts, Strider managed to finish 2023 with a 3.86 ERA and a 281:58 K:BB across 186.2 innings while leading the league in wins and strikeouts.

Strider (19-5) allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out four over 5.2 innings to earn the win in Game 2 of Sunday's doubleheader versus the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Strider picked up his fourth win when allowing four or more runs this year. Despite not having his best, he's now won three stars in a row, allowing eight runs over 19.2 innings with a 24:3 K:BB in that span. The Atlanta ace has a 3.81 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 274:55 K:BB through 181.2 innings over 31 starts this season. He should get a chance to be the only 20-win starter this year with one more projected start in the regular season, tentatively lined up to be at home against the Nationals.

Strider (18-5) earned the win Tuesday, allowing three runs on four hits over seven innings against the Phillies. He struck out 11.

EDGE Analysis

Strider was dominant Tuesday, keeping the Phillies off the board for five innings before Bryce Harper launched a three-run homer. Still, the 24-year-old Strider would hang on for his 18th win, the most in the majors, while racking up double-digit strikeouts for the 11th time this season. Strider increased his league-leading strikeout total to 270 to go along with a 3.73 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. He's currently slated for a road matchup with the Nationals in his next outing.

Strider is dealing with an illness but is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Phillies, David O'Brien of The Athleticreports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander originally lined up to start in Monday's doubleheader, but the ailment will push him back a couple days in Atlanta's rotation. It doesn't appear to be serious concern since Strider is still on the pitching schedule, though it's worth keeping an eye on his status heading into Wednesday's contest.

Strider (16-5) took the loss against St. Louis on Wednesday, allowing six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five batters over 2.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Strider struggled from the start of the contest, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk in the first frame. He got through the second unscathed despite allowing another hit, then issued two free passes around two hits in the third before departing with two outs in the inning. It was a frustrating start against a middle-of-the-pack team in terms of scoring, both for the hurler and for fantasy managers who roster him in head-to-head leagues currently in the playoffs. Strider has been one of the best pitchers in the game this season, but this was a good reminder that he isn't immune to blow-ups, as he's now allowed at least five runs in an outing five different times through 28 starts.