ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 24: Atlanta Braves bench coach Walt Weiss (4) congratulates Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider (99) after a 13 strike out, two hit effort during the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on April 24, 2023, at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by John Adams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesSo apparently, the rumors of Spencer Striders baseball demise for 2026 may have been somewhat exaggerated. Right before the trade deadline, there was scuttlebutt from MLB.com Braves beat writer Mark Bowman that Spencer Strider had cleared out his locker room and was likely done for the season. However, during todays pregame press conference, Walt Weiss indicated that Strider may not be done for 2026 after all. When Weiss was asked for updates on various pitchers who are currently on the shelf, he shocked the room by casually including Strider in those updates as well. Weiss had no updates as far as Robert Suarez goes and maintained that Spencer Schwellenbach had a way to go before returning from his throwing program. Weiss did mention that Hurston Waldrep had a good report once he got a second opinion on his throwing arm and then mentioned that both he and Strider would be starting up throwing programs soon. There was a possibility that he couldve been out for the year, explained Weiss. Its tough to put timelines out there because things just change. Their progression changes day to day its never linear. Weiss went on to explain that apparently it was just down to Strider himself noticing that he was feeling somewhat better than expected. Hes feeling good, the tests are positive and when that happens you get to the next step where its Lets start throwing again, so hes felt good enough to do that, stated Weiss. With that being said, its still pretty tough to imagine Spencer Strider coming back and having a major impact on the rotation here in 2026 and Weiss mentioned as much while continuing to give his thoughts on the situation. Theres a big leap between starting a throwing progression and throwing on a major league mound, explained Weiss. Theres a lot to uncover but at least hes starting to throw again.Theres already a prime example of just how long a throwing program can take after all, it sure seems like Spencer Schwellenbach has been on a throwing program for what feels like half of the season so far. Id imagine that its still doubtful that well see Strider pitch in a big league game again in 2026 and if he does, I anticipate it being out of the bullpen. But for now, dont close the door on Strider returning because apparently the Braves themselves still think he might have something to contribute here in 2026. Meanwhile, BravesVision analyst Paul Byrd tried to get the skinny on the confusion that occurred on Saturday (and bled into Sunday) when it came to Chris Sale and that contentious balk call. Weiss stated that he was still just as confused as ever with what happened out there, despite having a conversation with crew chief Dan Bellino. This is not something that we have ever done. Chris Sale has never done this in his career; declaring from hitter-to-hitter. Thats never been a thing. You declare once and thats it, stated Weiss. Now, if youre going to go back to the stretch then you have to redeclare but hes never had to declare from hitter-to-hitter you declare one time.So I dont know where that came from, continued Weiss. I dont know if the league is cracking down on it. [] If this is something that were cracking down on [] then thats a conversation at the home plate meeting or a heads up. I havent heard anything about cracking down on it its news to me! Usually theres a memo that goes around at the very least. Weve never dealt with this before and we didnt even know what the heck was going on when the balk was called. I think there needs to be clarity. My conversation with Bellino is that hes going to have to declare every hitter moving forward, said Weiss as he continued to discuss the weird situation. If thats the case, then let me know and let Chris know. Weve dealt with a lot of changes not that this is a rule change. Weve dealt with having to adjust with pitch clocks and throw-overs and we do it seamlessly because these guys adapt very well. If thats the case then we need to know that. I think well get to the bottom of it soon. It was a weird chain of events there and Ive never dealt with that before.So yeah, there are still some feelings of contention between the Braves and that particular umpiring crew but for now, the Braves appear to be prepared to deal with it, adjust and move on. That should be the end of what was a wacky saga that somehow turned into a two-day affair (and now three since here we are, talking about it).