Bryce Elder projected to make his Braves debut in 2024

Following Sunday night’s loss to the Texas Rangers, the Braves optioned starting pitcher Darius Vines back to Gwinnett, creating place for Bryce Elder, who will start against the Miami Marlins on Monday.

Bryce Elder is being recalled to start Monday against Marlins. #Braves optioned Vines after tonight’s game. Will give extra rest to other starters.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 22, 2024

This was always expected after Spencer Strider’s season-ending UCL tear. After failing to make the Opening Day roster despite being an NL All-Star last season, Elder was expected to be next in line if an injury occurred. However, due to the way the rest played out, Allan Winans and Darius Vines received the first few cracks.

The Mets pelted Winans, and he only made one start. Vines, on the other hand, demonstrated a lot of potential against two of baseball’s finest offenses. He only gave up one run in 4.2 innings against the Astros and was on track to win on Sunday night against the Rangers until two home runs in the fourth inning.

Vines is likely to make another start for the Braves in the near future. Elder has a lot of promise, but his debut with the Braves in 2024 is long overdue. Elder has three starts for the Stripers this season, going 2-0 with a 3.31 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 16.1 innings.

The 24-year-old will be making his eighth career start against the Marlins, owning a 1-2 record with a 3.38 ERA and 9.0 K/9.