MAJOR-NEWS; From Bust to Breakout: Bryce Elder Turns In Back-to-Back Quality Starts, But Doubts Linger

 

Atlanta Braves fans were quick to criticize Bryce Elder after his rough start to the 2025 season — and with good reason. The team opened the year 0-7 and slipped to 5-13, with Elder becoming an easy scapegoat. His first three starts were shaky, posting a 7.20 ERA, including a brutal outing on April 11 against Tampa Bay where he gave up nine hits, five runs, and two homers.

Coming off a disappointing 2024 campaign (6.52 ERA in 10 games), Elder appeared to be continuing his decline. But since mid-April, the fourth-year righty has shown signs of a turnaround. His April 23 start against the Cardinals began with a rough first inning — two walks and an RBI double — which he later described as “atrocious.” However, he settled in and threw five scoreless innings afterward, finishing with six innings pitched, five hits allowed, and two strikeouts. Manager Brian Snitker praised Elder’s rebound as “huge.”