Bryce Elder pitching like an All-Star again for the Braves

The 26-year-old right-hander has turned in four dominating starts to rekindle memories of his surprising 2023 season.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:20am

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A dynamic, colorful painting depicting the powerful pitching motion of Braves pitcher Bryce Elder, with his body and the baseball blending into a swirling, energetic composition of neon brushstrokes.Bryce Elder's dominant start on the mound has the Braves believing he can recapture his 2023 All-Star form.Atlanta Today

Bryce Elder, who was considered the weak link in the Atlanta Braves' rotation coming into the season, has turned in four dominating starts to rekindle memories of his surprising 2023 season when he earned an All-Star berth in his first full season. Elder hurled scoreless ball into the sixth inning on Wednesday night, leading the Braves to a 6-3 victory over the Miami Marlins.

Why it matters

Elder struggled mightily the last two seasons while bouncing back and forth between the majors and Triple-A Gwinnett, but his recent performance has manager Walt Weiss feeling good about his chances of remaining in the rotation even when ailing pitchers such as Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach return to the mound.

The details

Elder has paired an improved slider with a change-up and three different fastballs -- a two-seamer, a four-seamer and a cutter -- to keep hitters off balance. Despite the lack of overpowering stuff, he has 23 strikeouts in 23⅓ innings. Weiss believes Elder is a more complete pitcher than he was in 2023, with a diverse arsenal that helps him get by with a fastball in the low 90 mph range.

  • Elder hurled scoreless ball into the sixth inning on Wednesday night (April 16, 2026).
  • Elder earned an All-Star berth in his first full season in 2023.
  • Elder struggled mightily in 2024 and 2025 while bouncing back and forth between the majors and Triple-A Gwinnett.

The players

Bryce Elder

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who earned an All-Star berth in his first full season in 2023 but struggled the last two seasons before turning in four dominating starts to start the 2026 season.

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves who is feeling good about Elder's chances of remaining in the rotation even when ailing pitchers such as Spencer Strider and Spencer Schwellenbach return to the mound.

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What they’re saying

“This feels a little more complete. I have more weapons. We'll just try to keep it going.”

— Bryce Elder, Pitcher

“He's in a really good place.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager

“All his stuff has really picked up. He's throwing the ball really well.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager

What’s next

The Braves will continue to monitor Elder's performance as they decide whether to keep him in the rotation when their injured pitchers return.

The takeaway

Elder's resurgence this season has been a pleasant surprise for the Braves, who are hoping he can maintain his strong start and solidify his spot in the rotation after struggling the past two years. His improved arsenal and command have made him a more complete pitcher, giving the Braves hope that he can be a reliable part of their rotation going forward.