The Braves fell to 3-10 after another lifeless showing from the offense and a rough outing from Bryce Elder. With 149 games left and reinforcements on the horizon, there’s time—but the latest loss made some uncomfortable truths impossible to ignore.
Let’s start with the obvious: Bryce Elder isn’t a big-league starter. His All-Star nod in the first half of 2023 was a fun story, but it always felt like smoke and mirrors. He finished that season with a 5.11 ERA in the second half, then posted a 6.52 ERA in 2024.
To be fair, Elder wasn’t supposed to be in the rotation this early, but with Ian Anderson struggling and Reynaldo López injured, the Braves had few choices. That situation stems from the front office opting not to invest in another reliable starter over the winter. Still, the Braves can’t keep sending Elder out there. He doesn’t walk many, and his off-speed stuff is decent—but in today’s game, an 89 MPH fastball just doesn’t cut it. A bullpen role could work, but starting days should be over.
The larger concern? It’s the offense, not Elder. With Spencer Strider expected back soon, Elder might fade from view—but the bats are a persistent, glaring problem.
Through 13 games, Atlanta has scored just 41 runs—second-worst in the league. The bottom of the order is full of guys who shouldn’t be in a major league lineup, and the stars haven’t shown up in big moments. This isn’t a slump—it’s been going on since May of last year. The lineup is top-heavy, brutal with runners in scoring position, and the evidence now suggests this group simply can’t produce consistently.
Sure, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return might inject some life—but this team has been coasting for a while now. Based on what we’ve seen so far, nothing’s really changed—and maybe it’s time the front office starts asking some tough questions.
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