Bryce Elder Knee Surgery
Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder undergoes knee surgery and faces a month-long absence.
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Key Points
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The surgery was prompted by bone fragments, but Weiss said there was no structural damage in Elder’s knee. Elder had initially planned to skip a start and work out of the bullpen before the condition worsened and the plan was abandoned.
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Elder was dominant early in the season, posting a 1.88 ERA through his first seven starts and a 2.66 ERA through 14 starts. After he felt something was wrong during a July 9 outing in Pittsburgh, he recorded a 4.29 ERA and 5.88 FIP over his next nine starts.
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If Elder returns, the Braves could use him as a reliever rather than a starter because of their pitching depth. The club plans to maintain a six-man rotation featuring Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, Martín Pérez and Reynaldo López.
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Reynaldo López completed three rehabilitation starts with Triple-A Gwinnett before his return; he has gone 4-3 with a 3.64 ERA in 24 appearances this season, including 11 starts.
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Atlanta could turn to top prospect JR Ritchie for some of the replacement starts. Since returning to Triple-A Gwinnett, Ritchie has allowed seven runs over 27⅔ innings in five starts, including a recent outing with a 15-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 6⅔ innings.
Atlanta Braves right-hander Bryce Elder underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday and landed on the injured list, sidelining him for three to four weeks. Sports Illustrated reported that Elder had managed bone fragments and knee discomfort since the All-Star break, but the condition worsened enough to require surgery. Manager Walt Weiss confirmed there was no structural damage, and the Braves remain optimistic Elder can return for the postseason if recovery stays on track.
Elder's Early Dominance Gave Way to Decline
Elder started strong this season, posting a 1.88 ERA through his first seven starts and a 2.66 ERA over 14 starts. But after feeling something wrong during a July 9 outing in Pittsburgh, his performance nosedived. Over his next nine starts, Yahoo Sports noted Elder recorded a 4.29 ERA and a 5.88 FIP, showing clear deterioration while pitching through the knee issue.
López Returns to Fill Elder's Rotation Spot
Reynaldo López is activated from the injured list to replace Elder in the six-man rotation. CBS Sports reported López completed three rehabilitation starts with Triple-A Gwinnett before his return. He carries a 4-3 record with a 3.64 ERA across 24 appearances and 11 starts this season. The Braves plan to keep their full rotation featuring Chris Sale, Tyler Mahle, Grant Holmes, AJ Smith-Shawver, and Martín Pérez.
Prospect Ritchie Could Get Spot Starts if Needed
Top prospect JR Ritchie stands ready to fill in for some replacement starts. Since returning to Triple-A Gwinnett, Ritchie has allowed just seven runs over 27⅔ innings in five starts. In one recent outing, he struck out 15 batters with only one walk over 6⅔ innings, showing strong command and depth Atlanta can lean on during Elder's absence.
Surgery Now Improves Elder's Playoff Odds
While Elder misses three to four weeks immediately, the timing works in Atlanta's favor for the postseason. The Braves' decision to operate now rather than delay gives Elder a recovery window before the playoffs begin September 29. Heavy reported the team believes Elder can be available for the playoffs if his rehabilitation progresses as expected, making the short-term loss worth the long-term postseason gain.
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