JUST IN: Brian Snitker Discusses Bryce Elder’s Role in the Braves Rotation
Opening Day is just days away, the lineups are set and the Atlanta Braves are looking good. Their starting pitchers are dangerous even without Spencer Strider fully healed and in the lineup. Their bullpen also has the potential to be great. However, one question still remains. That is the Bryce Elder question. What will it take for this young arm to make it back to the Majors?
Elder was just 22 when he found himself called up to start a game for the Braves. He played a strong 54 games for the Braves in 2022. His 2023 season was even better, he held a 3.81 ERA and ended up pitching in the All-Star game that year. Things were looking up for the 23 year-old and the Braves’ pitching staff. It seemed that they really had something in him.
Unfortunately for Elder, the 2024 season was a mess. In his time in the Majors last year Elder went 2-5 with an ERA of over 6.5. He was optioned to Gwinnett and Spencer Schwellenbach took his place and shined.
After this year’s Grapefruit League play it is looking like there may not be much of a place in the lineup for Elder anymore. The Braves are not looking for mediocrity in their pitching staff, they want a strong, nearly impenetrable arsenal of talent. Elder, unfortunately, played a mediocre game through the majority of Spring. Schewellenbach however, took the mound and played like a veteran.
Elder’s last game of Spring Training looked quite promising in comparison to his earlier performances. He pitched three innings, with no earned runs and three strikeouts.
Unfortunately, following his last game on March 23 the Braves announced that he was being optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Schwellenbach has what Elder has been lacking. He has been able to find the strike zone, limit walks and take command of whatever batter he is facing. In his most recent Grapefruit League game on March 19 Schwellenbach made easy work of the Yankees’ batters, dishing out 10 Ks and allowing just two hits and no earned runs in six innings.
After seeing Schwellenbach’s performances during Spring Training it’s a no brainer that Elder’s spot is his. Elder though, may be out of options if he cannot improve. While playing in Triple-A Elder needs to bring his talents back up to the level he played back in 2023 that earned him a spot in the All-Star game.
