After All-Star nod in '23, Elder fights for rotation spot in '24

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Spring Training is all about ramping up for the regular season, getting your work in and being prepared for the long haul over 162.

That’s what Braves right-hander Bryce Elder has been doing since day one of camp, and that continued Wednesday night in a 7-5 win over the Orioles despite a rough opening frame.

All in all, the 2023 All-Star tossed 77 pitches (45 strikes) over 4 1/3 innings -- 29 of them coming in the first -- and allowed five earned runs on five hits, striking out three and walking three. His night got off to a rough start when he walked the first three Orioles he faced, setting the stage for a five-run frame. He did settle down from there, not allowing any more damage the rest of the evening.

“I thought I got better, obviously, but the start was kind of rough,” Elder said. “Was pleased getting into the fifth, but you chalk it up to the first inning kind of screwed it, but, it’s part of it and you keep moving.”

Keep it moving Elder did, being efficient and having command of the strike zone after the first. Elder struggled a bit last year with command, walking 63 batters across 174 2/3 innings (3.25 BB/9).

“It’s something I’ve got to be better at,” Elder said. “Maybe throw a different pitch to get in the zone earlier, but I didn’t, and that’s what happens when you walk the first three. I was glad to work past that and get into the fifth [inning].”

The 24-year-old has been battling with Reynaldo López for the fifth spot in a talented Braves rotation. Elder is coming off his first full season as a big leaguer, making 31 starts and posting a 12-4 record with a 3.81 ERA. He started last season with Triple-A Gwinnett but was quickly recalled to the Majors on April 4, staying with the club for the remainder of the year.

The Braves know Elder can pitch, and there is no doubt Elder will play a pivotal role for the team -- it's just a matter of when.

"Well I don't know what's going to happen there," said Braves manager Brian Snitker of where Elder will start the year. "I think he learned a lot last year going his first full year as a Major League starter. He had 180 innings, made the All-Star team and had a really solid year. Down the stretch there, it probably took its toll on him, and [all young pitchers] go through that. Until you do it, you don't know how to do it. Now he has a better understanding of what he's in for, so I expect him to have a really good year."

Elder seemingly ran out of gas down the stretch last year, posting a 5.11 ERA in the second half compared to a 2.97 ERA in the first half. The right-hander had never thrown so many innings in a season, tossing 137 2/3 Minor League innings in 2021 and 159 total innings in '22. This offseason and during this camp, Elder has worked to be in the best shape possible.

“I think I was a lot more prepared coming into this spring than when I was unaware that was going to take place last year with how many innings [I threw],” Elder said. “So I think I’m much more prepared, and not just physically, but mentally, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Snitker said all young pitchers have to deal with ramping up their workload when jumping from college to the Minors to the Majors.

"I think probably his offseason goals and everything was different," Snitker said. “But it's the kind of stuff until they experience it, they don't really understand it. And then they develop a routine and talk to veteran guys and all that, that can help. They all adjust. They don't come with routine, that's something that's learned."

Elder is also humble in his work, being careful not to let last season’s success derail any momentum.

“I think it’s always good [to experience success], but I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Elder said. “As soon as you think you’ve achieved something, it’s going to go downhill.

“No matter where I’m at, I’ll try and keep getting better and handle my business accordingly, and be ready to go when they need me.”