The battle for the Braves fifth rotation spot rages on, and a surprising candidate has emerged alongside Michael Soroka and Ian Anderson.
Who will win the Atlanta Braves fifth rotation spot? If not Michael Soroka or Ian Anderson, then perhaps Bryce Elder.
Edler finished the 2022 season strong, as he went 2-4 with a 3.17 ERA in 10 outings. While Elder might not offer as high of a ceiling as the likes of Soroka or Anderson, he’s stable enough and offers a more consistent outlook for the bottom of the rotation.
“As long as Elder stays healthy and his stuff keeps doing what we know it can do, I’m not looking for him to set the world on fire. He just needs to be himself, do exactly what he came in and did last year. If he does that, he’s going to be very successful. Just stay ready. You never know when you’re going to need a guy like that.” Brian Snitker said.
Bryce Elder spring training stats
Nonetheless, Elder’s spring debut did not go according to plan, as he gave up three seeing-eye singles and then a grand slam. As Elder noted in his postgame commentary, all three of those hits would have been right into the shift, which is now regulated by MLB.
“You get three ground balls and [none of them] go to a guy,’’ Elder said, via Joey Johnston MLB.com. “Obviously, on paper, it looks horrible. I really didn’t think it was that bad. I mean, one bad pitch.’’
Who will win the Braves No. 5 starter job?
Elder remains a longshot to win the job, but he’s waiting in the wings if either Soroka or Anderson struggle. The issue for the latter two right now is that neither is firing on all cylinders. Soroka injured his hamstring early this spring, but is hopeful to return and prove himself. Anderson added a slider to his mix but has not looked comfortable early in Florida.
Anderson has the edge for now, but it could change at any minute.