Atlanta Braves starter Bryce Elder is expected to miss three to four weeks after undergoing surgery to remove bone fragments from his right knee.
Featured image: AI-generated illustration representing Elder’s injury and recovery; it does not depict the pitcher or documentary medical care.
The right-hander had his knee scoped in Dallas on September 8 after discomfort persisted despite extended rest. The bone fragments were believed to be causing an issue he had managed since the All-Star break, according to MLB’s official Braves report.
A narrow postseason window
Manager Walt Weiss said the procedure offered Elder the best chance to contribute in October. The regular season ends September 27, placing the three-to-four-week recovery estimate at or beyond the end of the schedule.
Weiss said a postseason return remains possible, but the Braves will need more information from the doctor and will evaluate the rotation as Elder progresses. No exact activation date has been announced.
Atlanta’s rotation changes
Elder has an 8-8 record and a 4.11 ERA across 26 starts this season. His 149 innings rank second on the team behind Chris Sale. Elder had not pitched since August 31 as Atlanta tried to manage the knee problem.
The Braves planned to activate Reynaldo López as the corresponding rotation move. Atlanta News First examined the broader postseason questions in its September 9 rotation report.
