The Atlanta Braves starting rotation is entering the 2026 season shorthanded.
The Atlanta Braves entered spring training this year expecting to fine‑tune an already competitive 40-man roster, but early injuries have forced the organization into a more urgent evaluation process. With key arms already sidelined for the foreseeable future, the focus has quickly shifted toward internal options and whether they can stabilize the back end of the rotation.
That conversation now centers on starting pitcher Bryce Elder, who appears to be the leading candidate for the fifth starter role as Opening Day approaches.
Atlanta’s depth has already taken hits with both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep dealing with right elbow procedures, thinning out a group that once looked like a strength. However, one MLB reporter, went over Atlanta's current outlook on an appearance on the Foul Territory podcast.
“They feel, perhaps, that Bryce Elder can hold this down in a way that at least buys them some time,” said Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Elder’s performance in 2025 presents a mixed picture. He appeared in 22 games, including 20 starts, posting a 5.30 ERA across 156 1/3 innings while recording 131 strikeouts. While those numbers reflect inconsistency, they also highlight durability and the ability to take the ball regularly, something Atlanta now values more than ever given its current situation.
The significance of this decision goes beyond simply filling a rotation spot. The Braves faced scrutiny throughout the offseason for not adding another established starter, a move many believed would provide insurance against exactly this kind of scenario. Instead, the organization opted to rely on its internal depth, trusting that younger arms and returning contributors could fill in where needed.
Now that strategy is being tested. Elder has shown flashes in the past, including stretches where his command and pitch mix allowed him to generate weak contact and work deep into games. If he can rediscover that form, he could serve as a stabilizing presence until the rotation gets healthier. If not, the Braves may be forced to explore external options sooner than anticipated.
There is also a broader implication for Atlanta’s early‑season outlook. With less certainty at the back end of the rotation, more pressure falls on the team’s frontline starters and offense to carry the load. The margin for error shrinks, particularly in a competitive National League landscape.
For now, the Braves appear willing to give Elder that opportunity. Whether he can seize it may shape not only his role, but also Atlanta’s approach to roster building as the season unfolds.