The Atlanta Braves have needed to rely on their pitching depth early in 2024 after losing Spencer Strider to a season-ending UCL injury. Allan Winans got the first shot at starting but things didn't go well for him and he was optioned after his start.
Darius Vines replaced him on the roster and impressed in his first opportunity against the Astros. He allowed just one run through 4.2 innings with three walks and four strikeouts. This was enough for the Braves to entrust him with another start.
His second start against the Rangers was less successful as one bad inning doomed him. He allowed four runs through five innings with no walks and two strikeouts. His command was off during this outing as two homers hit against him were on poorly located changeups.
The Braves decided it was time to try another option and Bryce Elder will start on Monday against Miami. Vines was optioned following his start and bringing Elder up allows the team to give an extra day of rest to the top of the rotation.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Bryce Elder to Atlanta. The club optioned RHP Darius Vines to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 22, 2024
Elder was an All-Star in 2023 after an incredible first half but he faltered a good bit after the All-Star break. His last moment in a Braves uniform was giving up a home run to Bryce Harper in the NLDS.
Bryce's spring training wasn't good at all as he accumulated an 8.25 ERA through 12 innings pitched. This led to him being left off Atlanta's Opening Day roster.
He has spent the early part of the 2024 season with Triple-A Gwinnett and currently has a 3.31 ERA. Through 16.1 innings he has allowed six runs on 14 hits with five walks and 18 strikeouts. His most recent start took place on April 16 where he allowed three runs on six hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.
He is no stranger to success and could be the pitcher the Braves witnessed during the first half of 2023. Hopefully, he can do that because Atlanta would love to find some stability for the rotation.
Elder starts the first game of a three-game series with the Marlins tonight at Truist Park. First pitch is slated for 7:20 p.m. EST.