BREAKING NEWS: Braves announce starter for home opener against Red Sox
The 2023 All-Star, Bryce Elder, finds himself in contention for the final spot in the rotation heading into the upcoming season. A strong performance during spring training will be pivotal in securing his place.
Elder’s primary competition for the spot is Reynaldo Lopez, but he faces stiff competition from several promising youngsters such as A.J. Smith-Shawever, Hurston Waldrep, and Darius Vines. Given that the Braves utilized 16 different pitchers for at least one start last season, it’s likely that Elder will still see playing time even if he doesn’t initially make the Opening Day roster.
The 2023 All-Star, Bryce Elder, finds himself in contention for the final spot in the rotation heading into the upcoming season. A strong performance during spring training will be pivotal in securing his place.
Elder’s primary competition for the spot is Reynaldo Lopez, but he faces stiff competition from several promising youngsters such as A.J. Smith-Shawever, Hurston Waldrep, and Darius Vines. Given that the Braves utilized 16 different pitchers for at least one start last season, it’s likely that Elder will still see playing time even if he doesn’t initially make the Opening Day roster.
While roster management considerations may favor Lopez for the spot, Elder’s potential impact should not be underestimated. The Texas native boasts an impressive 2.45 ERA through 17 starts, although he did struggle with a 5.26 ERA over his final 10 outings.
While it would be unusual for a former NL All-Star to begin the following season in Triple-A, this scenario underscores the Braves’ remarkable depth in starting pitching. Bryce Elder’s situation exemplifies the abundance of talent the Braves possess in their pitching staff.
With expectations that over a dozen pitchers will see starting action for the Braves this year, such depth is indeed essential for the team’s success.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72146201/1469491878.0.jpg)
While roster management considerations may favor Lopez for the spot, Elder’s potential impact should not be underestimated. The Texas native boasts an impressive 2.45 ERA through 17 starts, although he did struggle with a 5.26 ERA over his final 10 outings.
Bryce Elder will start Sunday’s #Braves home opener vs. Red Sox
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) February 24, 2024
While it would be unusual for a former NL All-Star to begin the following season in Triple-A, this scenario underscores the Braves’ remarkable depth in starting pitching. Bryce Elder’s situation exemplifies the abundance of talent the Braves possess in their pitching staff.
With expectations that over a dozen pitchers will see starting action for the Braves this year, such depth is indeed essential for the team’s success.