The Atlanta Braves loss to the Texas Rangers in their series opener on Friday was one fans have grown very accustom to in 2025. The offense wasted several chances while the Braves relief core could not keep the game close.

However, Friday briefly showcased something fans had not seen often this year: fire. As Brian Snitker came out to yank Rafael Montero, who had just issued a bases-loaded walk, Braves ace Spencer Strider was caught tearing into the coaching staff.

Fans were quickly backed the ace, but a closer examination at which coaches his frustration was directed towards might indicate a rift between the players and the coaching staff.

Why Spencer Strider ripped into Braves hitting coaches

Spencer Strider has had many moments where his competitive spirit was on full display, but up until Friday night, there wasn’t a moment where he quite got into the coaching staff like he did.

While the clip is brief, the righty is seen quickly approaching two coaches in dismay. Fans quickly sided with the 26-year-old, with one saying, “At least someone in the dugout still cares what’s happening,” and another stating, “the most joy i’ve felt in the 2025 season is watching our ace absolutely lay into our hitting coach.”

Even with the Braves well out of playoff contention, Strider still passionately caring about the outcome of the game is refreshing. However, Strider ripping into the hitting coaches does raise questions.

It would be understandable if Strider were venting to Rick Kranitz, the club’s pitching coach. After all, Rafael Montero had just issued two straight walks, including one with the bases loaded. But Strider instead went directly to the hitting coaches.

While it’s unlikely we’ll find out why Strider decided to take his frustration out on the hitting coaches, one could make a few guesses. After all, the Braves had only scored one run up to that point, despite having nine base runners and seven at bats with runners in scoring position.

It would be rational to guess that Strider was frustrated with the hitting’s approach, which has left the pitching staff with zero margin for error throughout the entire season.

It’s not the first time he’s called out the team’s performance this week, as he called the Braves performance “embarrassing” after the series loss to the Giants. At least someone is saying it.