ATLANTA -- Spencer Strider struck out 13 batters in 5 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday in his second injury rehabilitation start and appears ready to return from elbow surgery to make his Atlanta Braves season debut next week.

Strider gave up three hits, two walks and one earned run against Norfolk, then was removed after 90 pitches, as planned. He struck out his first six batters, had nine strikeouts through three innings and reached 97 mph with his fastball.

"I watched most of it," Braves manager Brian Snitker said. "Most of it looked really good. ... As dominant as he is, it looks like he's becoming even more of a pitcher."

Strider last pitched for the Braves on April 5 last year and had internal brace surgery a week later with Texas Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister. He led the major leagues in 2023 with 20 wins and 285 strikeouts, finishing fourth in NL Cy Young Award voting.

Strider has made three Triple-A rehab starts, giving up two runs in 13 innings.

"He got back out for the sixth, got his pitches," Snitker said. "It was exactly what we wanted to happen."

Snitker did not commit to Strider joining the Braves rotation for his next appearance. He said he wanted to see how Strider felt after the start and his next side session.

"I kind of feel like he's right where we want him to be before he gets here," Snitker said.