The Atlanta Braves are still attempting to piece together a starting rotation with Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez, and AJ Smith-Shawver all on the shelf. This is after having lost Spencer Strider for the first month of the season. Strider returned to make one start before returning to the injured list.
Now, Strider and Grant Holmes are the last starters standing when it comes to capable options. It is impossible to predict how the Braves will navigate the rest of the season. Desperation has reached a new high with the team turning to Aaron Bummer to start bullpen games.
All of this ignores Bryce Elder, who has found himself in a surprise position of becoming an innings-eater. This has less to do with improving results and more to Atlanta's complete lack of options. Elder has put together a shaky first half of the season, reminding fans just why the team had attempted to turn the page.
Bryce Elder Won't Be in the Braves Rotation 2026 Season
It isn't a hot take to point out the Braves are going to turn the page from Elder if the results don't drastically change down the stretch of the season. Atlanta's problem with keeping the right-hander in the rotation is understanding the lack of a ceiling when it comes to keeping the lineup in games. Elder's pitching style seeks out contact, and this is less than ideal with the pitcher's consistent struggles locating.
Elder is a borderline Major League starter and cannot be in your rotation if the expectation is to be a serious postseason contender. Atlanta would be wise to trade the veteran in the offseason in an attempt to give the starter a chance to continue to play at this level with a team looking to rebuild.
The Braves should move on, understanding that next season Lopez, Holmes, Strider, Schwellenbach, Sale, and Smith-Shawver are all still under contract. Adding one veteran arm to this mix should be more than enough to help the team make it through the 2026 season with one of the best rotations in the league.