Braves Move Elder to Bullpen, López to Start Wednesday
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss announced that Bryce Elder will temporarily move to the bullpen due to a lingering knee issue. Reynaldo López, returning from the injured list, will start against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday. Elder has a 4.11 ERA this season and has been dealing with the ailment since mid-August.
Elder's knee issue first surfaced on Aug. 16 during a start against Arizona, when he was pulled early as a precaution. His next outing came after eight days of rest. The right-hander's only previous major-league relief appearance was on Aug. 6, 2022, in the second game of a doubleheader versus the Mets.
Elder has logged 149 innings this season with a 4.11 ERA, trailing only Chris Sale's 150 on the staff. He led the team in innings last year with 156 1/3. With López returning, the Braves can deploy a six-man rotation and an eight-man bullpen, giving them flexibility to manage Elder's workload while he recovers.
This roster adjustment could affect the Braves' playoff push, as bullpen depth and rotation stability are critical in September. Fans may see altered game dynamics, and fantasy managers will need to adjust expectations. For Elder, the temporary role change may impact his rhythm and future trade value, though the team's cautious approach suggests a focus on long-term health over short-term performance.