Braves Bullpen Shines as Bryce Elder's Struggles Continue

Apr 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Bryce Elder (55) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves bullpen delivered its best performance of the young season Friday night, keeping the game within reach and setting the stage for a dramatic 6-4 comeback win over the Minnesota Twins at Truist Park. However, the win also spotlighted growing concerns around Bryce Elder’s early-season struggles.

Elder got the start and lasted five innings, giving up four earned runs on six hits and three walks. His ERA ballooned to 7.20 across three starts, and he's now allowed 12 runs in just 15 innings pitched this season. Despite flashes of his former self, Elder has struggled with command and hard contact, failing to get deep into games or keep Atlanta out of early holes.

Fortunately for the Braves, the bullpen responded with dominance. Aaron Bummer, Enyel De Los Santos, and Raisel Iglesias combined for four perfect innings to slam the door shut on Minnesota’s offense. De Los Santos earned the win with 1.2 clean innings, Bummer was sharp in the sixth, followed by De Los Santos' perfect 1.2-inning outing. Iglesias nailed down his third save of the season with a calm, efficient ninth.

The bullpen’s effort allowed the Braves' offense to come to life in the eighth inning. Trailing 4-1, Atlanta exploded for five runs, fueled by a game-tying two-run single from Michael Harris II and a go-ahead two-run knock from rookie Drake Baldwin.

While the late rally was thrilling, it was the bullpen’s zeroes that made it possible. As the Braves try to dig out of their early-season hole, the reliability of their relievers is becoming a real asset. With Elder’s struggles mounting, questions around the stability of the back end of the rotation are becoming harder to ignore.