The Atlanta Braves optioned All-Star pitcher Bryce Elder to the minors on Monday, deciding to open the season with Reynaldo López as their fifth starter. López, who signed a $30 million, three-year deal with the Braves in November, earned the rotation spot by allowing just four earned runs over 16 2/3 innings in five spring appearances. Elder, by comparison, gave up 11 earned runs and 15 hits in 12 innings covering four appearances for an 8.25 ERA.
W | L | Pct | GB | |
---|---|---|---|---|
14 | 9 | .609 | 0.0 | |
11 | 10 | .524 | 2.0 | |
8 | 10 | .444 | 3.5 | |
8 | 11 | .421 | 4.0 | |
9 | 13 | .409 | 4.5 |