Bryce Elder, Braves set to begin series against Nationals
Bryce Elder will be taking on one of the hottest offenses in MLB as Braves try to win six in a row
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 15: Bryce Elder #55 of the Atlanta Braves delivers a pitch on the day that all players and coaches were wearing #42 as MLB was honoring Jackie Robinson Day during the MLB game between the Miami Marlins and the Atlanta Braves on April 15, 2026 at TRUIST Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Atlanta Braves are coming off their first sweep of the Phillies in Philadelphia since 2016 while also leading MLB in run differential, total runs scored, team ERA, and hold the best division lead in MLB. The start for the Braves could not have been much better, especially considering they are down half their rotation, their starting SS, and Sean Murphy.
Speaking of good starts, Bryce Elder is back to All-Star form this season with his sterling ERA of 0. 77 and will be taking the mound to face the second place (tied) Washington Nationals. The Nationals have a losing record but some could argue that they have been better than expected, especially offensively.
Only the Dodgers and Braves are scoring more runs per game than the Nationals are this season. 5. 50 runs per game is an elite offense, the only problem is that the Nats are also allowing the most runs per game tied with the Astros at 6.
09. With the level of runs that the Nats have been scoring it will be interesting to see if Elder can hold them at bay. It does not take much research to know that it is highly likely that Elder will not be able to sustain a sub one ERA, but his expected ERA (xERA) of 2.