Atlanta Braves Starter To Take On New Role Ahead of Postseason

This season hasn’t been the smoothest sailing for starting pitcher Bryce Elder.

In each of his five career seasons, Elder has consistently been a starter in the Atlanta Braves’ rotation, putting up efficient seasons and even earning one All-Star Game appearance in 2023. But ever since then, the numbers have not been the same for the right-hander.

Elder had posted an ERA well above five in each of the past two seasons. Despite that, he still broke the Braves’ rotation to open the 2026 season, and even thrived to start the year. The 27-year-old starter posted a 1.97 ERA through his first 11 starts of the year – but struggles became a big concern shortly after. 

Ever since that stretch, Elder’s ERA has seen a significant spike that had caused some concern regarding his status in the rotation. Elder has posted a 5.94 ERA over his last 15 starts.

Elder’s most recent start and appearance came on August 31, when he allowed five earned runs in 5 ⅓ innings against the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately for him, an injury and his recent struggles may likely keep him from making another start this season.

Recently, Elder has been experiencing some knee issues. As a result of that, Braves manager Walt Weiss is choosing to alleviate his workload as he will now be available out of the bullpen going forward, according to Jesús Cano of The Athletic. Weiss also noted that there is a chance Elder could make a start in their series against the Chicago Cubs from Sep. 14-16, per Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Going forward, the Braves will continue to roll out a six-man rotation, as Reynaldo López is expected to make his return from the injured list on Wednesday. Ace Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, AJ Smith-Shawver, Martín Pérez and Grant Holmes will continue to round out the rotation. 

However, Elder’s move to the bullpen is not considered permanent. 

Elder had been initially tabbed to make a start on Monday in the Braves’ series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, but the Braves made the decision to start Grant Holmes days in advance of the contest. 

With the move, Atlanta is making it clear that trust has diminished to continue running with Elder in the rotation, considering he is still available for duty out of the bullpen. The Braves are also taking a risk with the move, as Elder has minimal experience in his career pitching in relief. 

Elder has made only one relief appearance in his career and it came in his rookie season in 2022. He had appeared in a long-relief role in a doubleheader game against the New York Mets.