Since 2014, the Atlanta Braves have consistently dominated their season matchups against the Miami Marlins. To kick off their three-game series against their National League East rivals on Monday night, the Braves are bringing up a new pitcher from the minor leagues. 24-year-old right-hander Bryce Elder called up from Triple-A Gwinnett, will make his season debut, facing off against Miami’s left-hander Ryan Weathers (2-1, 2.70).
Last season, the Braves boasted a 9-4 record against Miami and recently secured two wins out of three games in Miami earlier this month. Despite being an All-Star last year, Elder lost out to Reynaldo Lopez for the fifth starter spot in spring training. However, Elder showcased his skills in three games for Gwinnett, tallying a 2-0 record with a 3.31 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 16 1/3 innings. To accommodate Elder’s promotion, the Braves have sent Darius Vines to Triple-A. Manager Brian Snitker explained, “Elder was slated to start on Sunday for Gwinnett, but due to rain, we’re bringing him up.”
In his first full major league season in 2023, Elder impressed with a 12-4 record and a 3.81 ERA across 31 starts and 174 2/3 innings. He has faced the Marlins seven times in his career, earning a 1-2 record with a 3.38 ERA, including a 1-0 record with a 4.15 ERA in three starts against them last year. Weathers, entering his fifth appearance of the season, comes off two consecutive wins, including a standout performance against the San Francisco Giants where he struck out 10 batters.
Despite his strong outing, Weathers experienced hand tightness, leading to his removal at the start of the seventh inning. Bryan De La Cruz of the Marlins has been consistent at the plate, while Atlanta’s Marcell Ozuna leads the major leagues with nine home runs and 27 RBIs. However, Braves first baseman Matt Olson continues to struggle, enduring an 0-for-18 slump since April 7, with no home runs in sight.
Atlanta’s six-game winning streak was halted on Sunday, although they managed to win two out of three games against the Texas Rangers. Miami, on the other hand, split a four-game series against the Cubs.
