Fansided

4 Atlanta Braves deserving of first All-Star Game appearances

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on May 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on May 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Bryce Elder, Atlanta Braves
Bryce Elder, Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Bryce Elder has been the Braves most pleasant surprise and obvious All-Star

Coming into the season and before the multitude of injuries started piling up in Atlanta, the expectation and hope was the Bryce Elder could be a decent enough fifth starter in the rotation and that the offense could help carry him whenever they got to his spot. Instead, he’s emerged as a legitimate stud for the Braves.

Prior to Tuesday night’s start against the Mets, Elder had the best ERA in baseball at 1.92. He ended up losing that title after giving up four runs over six innings but, with the help of the Atlanta offense, he was still able to pick up his fourth win of the season and keep his overall incredible 2023 season going strong.

Through 12 starts this year now, Elder has a stunning 2.26 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP on the year, leading all Atlanta pitchers in WAR with an impressive 2.6 clip to this point in the year.

Many advanced analytics will say that Elder’s performance isn’t sustainable with the contact he gives up, particularly hard contact, but he’s continued to go out and deliver the goods whenever it’s his turn in the rotation. And he’s done so with one of the best pitching seasons in the majors this year.

Strider is going to steal most of the headlines for Braves starting pitchers in terms of the All-Star Game, but what Elder has done this season is wholly and immensely deserving of getting that nod as one of baseball’s best for this season.

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