Braves pitcher Spencer Strider to start Thursday in Rome

Spencer Strider will finally make his return to the mound Thursday.

The Braves’ right-handed pitcher will toe the rubber at 6:45 p.m. at AdventHealth Stadium in Rome when the clubs’ High-A affiliate hosts Jersey Shore. Strider will be pitching to Braves catcher Sean Murphy, who began his rehab assignment with the Emperors on Tuesday.

Strider threw a bullpen session with Murphy at Truist Park on Monday. He also threw batting practice there Saturday to simulate three innings.

Braves manager Walt Weiss said Strider is expected to throw between 45 and 50 pitches.

The 27-year-old Strider has been on the 15-day injured list since the start of the season because of a strained oblique. The righty shut down his spring training schedule in March.

As for Murphy, he was scheduled to be behind the plate for four innings for the Emperors’ game against the BlueClaws on Tuesday. Murphy will have the day off Wednesday, the return to the lineup Thursday to catch five innings, will catch again Saturday and then be the designated hitter Sunday.

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