Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters Spencer Strider (elbow) will begin a throwing progression this week.

It seems highly unlikely that Strider will return in an impactful role for Atlanta with roughly seven weeks left in the regular season. The 27-year-old is facing a lengthy ramp-up process after being shut down with elbow inflammation back in mid-June. His long-term future as a starting pitcher is in obvious jeopardy given his checkered injury history. It’s possible he’ll be built up as a reliever instead, which would theoretically give him a shot at pitching in the postseason.