It was generally assumed that the Atlanta Braves would begin the season using a 6-man rotation since they open with 14 straight games before their first day off, but when Tucker Davidson entered the Braves 11-2 loss to the Nationals on Monday, that plan was in doubt.
It was assumed that Davidson would have been the 6th starter, but after he was burned Monday there was some debate about those plans, but Braves Manager Brian Snitker cleared those up postgame.
Due to MLB roster rules, the Braves cannot use a pitcher who was just optioned at the beginning of the season, they aren't eligible to return unless to replace an injured player, until April 17, so the options for starter today are limited.
Some of the arms currently on the Braves 40-man roster that will NOT be eligible to pitch on Tuesday are Touki Toussaint, Dylan Lee, and Jacob Webb. Unless the Braves deem a player injured, they cannot be called up until Sunday.
That would leave up-and-coming starting pitching prospect Bryce Elder as possible the leading candidate to join the Braves and take the mound against Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals tonight.
Bryce Elder enters the 2022 season as the Braves 5th ranked prospect behind Michael Harris, Spencer Strider, Drew Waters, and Kyle Muller.
Elder had a fantastic Spring Training for the Braves making two starts totaling 7.2 innings of hitless ball and his last outing was on April 5th, which means Tuesday would be his regular turn in the rotation.
Elder may not be the only option to start tonight, but he certainly seems to be the one that has the most intrigue for Braves fan.
The Braves are off to a slow start on the season, sitting at 2-3 and looking for a jump-start, and a strong outing tonight before turning the rotation back over to Fried and Morton would be a great place to begin.
