This Rookie Just Broke A Record Set By Randy Johnson

It’s been a frankly unbelievable season for the Atlanta Braves' player development system. After using some of their top prospects as capital to acquire star first baseman Matt Olson, they have received contributions from their remaining prospects far exceeding what anyone could have expected. They reached another milestone on Sunday, as starting pitcher Spencer Strider broke the record for fewest innings to reach 200 strikeouts in a season with 130, beating Randy Johnson’s record by two thirds of an inning.

#Braves rookie Spencer Strider just set an MLB record, recording his 200th strikeout of the season in just 130 IP.

Strider just bested Randy Johnson for the fewest innings to reach 200 strikeouts in a season. Johnson set that record in 2001, getting to 200 K in 130.2 IP. pic.twitter.com/3AFE3uub6d
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) September 18, 2022

He accomplished the feat in a 10-strikeout, 1-hit outing against the Phillies.

Spencer Strider's 200th K of the Season.

And K-Rouette. pic.twitter.com/oTB7lKuF4k
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 18, 2022

He also became just the fifth rookie to reach 200 strikeouts in the Wild Card era. Despite the remarkable year he’s having, Strider is actually considered less likely to win the NL Rookie of the Year award than his teammate, outfielder Michael Harris II. The Braves have also gotten excellent production from second baseman Vaughn Grissom, which has gone a long way in making up for the loss of Ozzie Albies.

The @Braves have surpassed their 2021 regular-season wins total.

Atlanta needs 11 wins in its final 18 games for the franchise's first 100-win season since 2003. pic.twitter.com/9QXMMzGlJH
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) September 17, 2022

Getting such above-average production from youngsters has given the Braves a huge boost in the second half. Strider’s dominance has bolstered their rotation depth, and made up for the continued absence of Mike Soroka. Similarly, Harris II’s play has covered for the loss of outfield prospects Christian Pache and Drew Waters, as well as underperformance from Marcell Ozuna and Robbie Grossman, plus missed time for Ronald Acuna Jr. If the Braves are going to repeat as World Series champions, it will be thanks to a roster that looks a lot different from last year.