Atlanta Braves News: Split Doubleheader, Bryce Elder, and More

If I had told Braves fans that Bryce Elder was going to strike out 9 and walk 1 in 5.0 innings in his start on Saturday, I’d bet that almost everyone would have believed that without knowing anything else. Elder, of course, has a hard time racking up strikeouts and typically finds success when he avoids walks. However, he did allow 6 earned runs and 2 home runs in that 5.0 inning outing. I’ll still call it promising, since luck with the batted ball is the least consistent part of the equation, but it was a pretty strange start for Elder. The most important thing for Bryce is to limit the number of walks. I’m pretty skeptical that he’ll suddenly become a true strikeout pitcher, but if he can consistently walk batters at a rate similar to Saturday, he could finally take that step toward becoming a consistently playable major league pitcher.

Braves News

Charlie Morton led the Braves to a 3-2 victory in extra innings, with the offense doing just enough to earn the win in the first game of the doubleheader.

Bryce Elder didn’t have as much success in his first game, as the Braves lost 9-5 to the Cardinals in Game 2 despite showing some power in the offense.

MLB News

Young left-hander Luke Little’s season is likely over for the Cubs due to a shoulder injury suffered before the All-Star break.

Bo Bichette, a potential trade target, was diagnosed with a mild calf strain and will miss several weeks with the injury, likely putting him out of trade consideration.

JT Realmuto returned to the Phillies after spending nearly a month and 10 days on the injured list due to minor knee surgery earlier in the summer.

Mike Trout begins his rehab assignment and is expected to return to the Angels’ lineup in the near future.

Yandy Diaz will be placed on the Rays’ restricted list as he deals with a personal family matter that is expected to take a few days.