Spencer Strider, who has secured a spot in the Atlanta Braves' rotation, barely pitched during his last two years at Clemson.
But that time was crucial to his development, he said.
Strider threw only 12 innings for Clemson in 2019 and 2020 because of an elbow injury and a COVID-shortened season but was picked in the fourth round of the MLB draft.
The rookie right-hander made his third start Friday night and shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates in 5 2/3 innings, allowing four hits while striking out eight and walking one in the Braves' 4-2 victory at Truist Park.