Preview: Elder takes the mound as Atlanta begins a three-game set with Miami
The Atlanta Braves just finished up a rainy weekend in New York, winning two out of three games against the Mets. They now travel to Miami and focus their sights on the Marlins for the second time this season. Bryce Elder will take the mound for the Braves as he sets up for a rematch with Sandy Alcantara.
It looked like the team may be traveling without Ronald Acuna Jr. for an extended period of time after he was hit by a pitch in the second game of the doubleheader yesterday. Luckily, that is not the case as imaging did not reveal any fractures and Acuna ended up traveling with the team. The team will be very cautious with him during this series as he is currently listed day-to-day with a left shoulder contusion.
Pitching Matchup for Game 1 in Miami
As mentioned above, Bryce Elder (2-0, 2.17 ERA) will take the mound for Atlanta in the series opener. His last start against Miami wasn't terrible but he struggled a little bit as the Marlins tagged him for 4 runs on 5 hits in 5.1 innings of work. Elder has shown he has the ability to bounce back after a tough outing and hopefully, the extra days of rest will benefit him.
Sandy Alcantara (1-2, 5.04 ERA) will be pitching for Miami and will look to have better luck than he did against the Braves in his last start. He left after 5.2 innings allowing two earned runs on four hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Alcantara has struggled a little this season but we all know how quickly that can change.
The Marlins are 10-6 at home in 2023 and have won their last three at home. Atlanta will look to keep Jorge Soler and Luis Arraez at bay as they have both been hot as of late. The Braves pitching hasn't been as solid lately so that's something to look into. Over the last 10 games, the Braves pitching staff has a 4.24 ERA. Hopefully, the bullpen gets back Raisel Iglesias soon as that would be a nice boost.
Where to Experience Braves at Marlins
Where: loanDepot Park in Miami, FL at 6:40PM EST
Watch: Bally Sports South
Listen: 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan