CAK graduate Spencer Strider drafted by Atlanta Braves in fourth round of 2020 MLB Draft

Spencer Strider, a sophomore pitcher at Clemson and a former CAK baseball star, was drafted by the Atlanta Braves as the No. 126 pick in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft.

Strider, a right-handed pitcher, started four games for Clemson before the COVID-19 pandemic halted all NCAA sports. He received a no decision in each of his four starts, and also had a 4.50 ERA, allowing 13 hits and striking out 19. 

Both a long reliever and starter for Clemson, he has a 5-2 record with 89 career strikeouts. He missed the entire 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery on his throwing elbow. He was granted a medical redshirt. 

Strider was a star at CAK, playing three years for the Warriors. He helped lead CAK to the Class AA state championship in 2017, finishing the season with a 13-0 record and 150 strikeouts. He was named Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year after the season, becoming the first player from CAK to win the award. 

Strider was previously drafted in the 35th round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Indians.