The Atlanta Braves have suffered another major blow to their pitching staff with Bryce Elder headed to the injured list because of a knee injury.
Elder recently underwent a minor knee scope after dealing with the issue for nearly two months. Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed the procedure and said the right-hander is expected to miss approximately three to four weeks.
The timing is especially frustrating for Atlanta as the regular season enters its final stretch.
Elder has been an important part of the Braves’ pitching depth, and losing him now leaves Atlanta with another question mark heading toward October. The Braves have dealt with their share of injuries throughout the season, making the timing of Elder’s absence even more difficult.
The good news is that the injury does not appear to be season-ending. If Atlanta is able to advance deep into the postseason, Elder could potentially have an opportunity to return and contribute.
For now, however, the Braves will have to move forward without him.
A three-to-four-week recovery timeline puts Elder’s potential return around the postseason, meaning Atlanta could be forced to navigate the opening stages of October without one of its pitching options.
That puts even more pressure on the Braves’ remaining starters and bullpen to stay healthy and perform at a high level.
The Braves are going to need everyone available if they want to make a serious postseason run. Elder’s knee injury is another reminder that staying healthy could be just as important as playing well over the final weeks of the season.
For Elder, the goal is simple: recover, get healthy and be ready if the Braves give him another chance to take the mound in October.
Atlanta can only hope his knee heals quickly enough for that opportunity to come.
