Spencer Strider, ace of the Atlanta Braves, has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to a strained right hamstring sustained while playing catch. This injury comes shortly after his return from elbow surgery, marking his first big league appearance since April 2022. In his two starts this season, Strider allowed two runs in five innings against Toronto before his scheduled home debut against St. Louis.

Strider, who had a stellar 2023 season with a 20-5 record and a league-leading 281 strikeouts, is now sidelined, joining Reynaldo López, who is out for at least three months after undergoing arthroscopic surgery.

Success in fantasy baseball requires astute management, especially during injury-prone times. Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds, who started strong this season, is expected back soon after a brief stint on the injured list. His ability to capitalize on hard-hit metrics suggests he can be a valuable asset upon his return.

Pablo Lopez from the Minnesota Twins is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, which might sideline him for a short period. His impressive start of a 1.62 ERA indicates he should reclaim his role as an ace upon return.

Reynaldo Lopez from the Atlanta Braves is facing a more serious setback due to shoulder surgery, risking a significant portion of the season. His previous success makes this a tough blow for fantasy managers.

As Spring Training approaches its halfway point, the Atlanta Braves are gearing up for the upcoming season, with Opening Day just weeks away. Predicting the team's 26-man roster, The Athletic's David O'Brien identifies Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach as the top three starters, with Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson expected to fill out the rotation. Despite Anderson's struggles with walks during the spring, his impressive ERA and batting average against suggest he remains a strong candidate for the starting five.

O'Brien emphasizes that both Holmes and Anderson lack minor-league options, making it likely the Braves will retain them unless significant injuries or poor performances occur. Such depth is valued by the Braves, so losing a starter to waivers seems improbable unless a drastic decline happens. Notably, while Anderson's control issues are concerning, his ability to restrict opposing hitters demonstrates potential that could pay off during the regular season.