The Atlanta Braves have been forced to turn to a long list of less-than-ideal options in the current rotation. Looking at the injured list and the decision to let Max Fried walk away explains their position. It is impossible to justify continuing to throw many of the current options on the mound, and yet the Braves simply have no other choice. This is the case with veteran starter Bryce Elder, who is 3-6 on the season, sporting a 5.65 ERA. Saying that some of the starter's numbers are fraudulent might seem a bit surprising when they are already underwhelming.
However, diving into the advanced metrics of Elder's season, it is easy to make the case that the pitcher has been lucky at times. The lack of swing-and-miss stuff is starting to catch up with the starter as hitters make adjustments and get the timing down. It is exactly what happened to the starter the first time around with the franchise. Elder was so impressive that the righty was named an All-Star and looked to be on his way to becoming an important franchise cornerstone.
Braves Pitcher Bryce Elder Continues to go in the Wrong Direction
The second half of the season, the numbers fell off a cliff, with it becoming glaring just how easily offenses could now predict the starter. Adjustments were attempted but the results stayed the same and by the next season, the Braves were forced to demote Elder. If the rotation were healthy, this would already be the case with Atlanta having superior options.
Elder remaining with the club is all about the current injuries and a lack of viable answers. This sets up the Braves to be given the final answer on the pitcher. One that is going to end with the team turning the page, realizing things are worse than bad numbers already suggest.
While Braves fans will be thankful for the one impressive run the righty offered, it is time to turn the page as soon as possible. As soon as the Braves get healthy, Elder needs to become a part of the past with the second half of the season poised to show exactly why the starter isn't a viable backup option moving forward.