The Atlanta Braves have been struggling a bit over the last few days as they have lost four consecutive games after their loss to the Padres in game one of their double header on Monday.
Atlanta received a great performance from Reynaldo Lopez in game one and the offense broke out early against Dylan Cease. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead as San Diego scored four runs in the eighth to take a 6-5 lead.
That is not the experience Braves fans expect to have from a team that broke records in 2023. However, disappointment has followed the team over the last couple of weeks.
Braves News: Darius Vines recalled as team options struggling Bryce Elder to Gwinnett
One of those disappointments includes Bryce Elder, an All-Star for the team last year. He has been inconsistent during his starts since being called up by the team.
He started for the Braves on Sunday night and the Padres tagged him for six runs over three innings of work. Once again, walks and inconsistent command plagued the Atlanta right-hander.
The #Braves have recalled RHP Darius Vines to Atlanta after optioning RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett following Game 1 of today’s doubleheader.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 20, 2024
This led to the team optioning Elder to Gwinnett following Monday's loss. His ERA now sits at 6.46 through 23.2 innings with 11 walks and 19 strikeouts. A far cry from the production they got from the young right-hander last season.
Atlanta recalled Darius Vines as a corresponding move and he will give Atlanta a long relief option if needed for game two of Monday's doubleheader. However, he could also serve as Atlanta's starter on Thursday in Chicago as that slot is currently listed as TBA.
Vines did spend some time with the big league club earlier this season and received mixed results. He pitched 4.2 innings against the Astros on April 15 and only allowed one run which earned him another start.
Unfortunately, that next start wasn't as great as the Texas Rangers tagged him for four runs through five innings and gave him a 4.66 ERA through 9.2 innings total which is why the Braves chose to option Vines in favor of Elder back in April.
Since being sent down, Vines hasn't faired much better as he started four games and has an ERA of 5.01 through 23.1 innings. He's allowed 13 runs on 27 hits with seven walks, 19 strikeouts, and a .319 BAbip.
Atlanta will hope for better results than that if they should turn to Vines tonight or later this week at Wrigley Field.