Bryce Elder: Everything you need to know

Elder (3-1) earned the win Monday, allowing four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks over 6.2 innings against the Nationals. He struck out six. Elder worked through a two-run first inning and pitched into the seventh frame to earn his third win of the season. After making 28 starts and posting a 5.30 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 156.1 innings last year, expectations were minimal for the right-hander entering 2026, but he has delivered strong results with a 1.50 ERA and 0.97 WHIP through five outings (30 innings). Elder's next start is lined up to come Saturday against the Phillies.

Elder (2-1) notched the win Wednesday against the Marlins, allowing no runs on four hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. He struck out seven. Given how well he was pitching, it was pretty surprising to see Elder get pulled from the outing at just 79 pitches. The right-hander threw 53 strikes on the evening, submitting his third scoreless start already this year. Elder hasn't yet touched the 90-pitch mark this season -- Atlanta could have some form of workload restrictions in place -- but he has a microscopic 0.77 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB over 23.1 innings thus far, making him close to a must-roster fantasy player ahead of a favorable matchup against Washington.

Elder did not factor into Friday's decision against the Guardians, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks while striking out three across 4.2 innings. Elder kept the Guardians off the board through the first three frames before yielding a run in both the fourth and fifth. He was one out away from being in line for the decision but was pulled despite punching out Jose Ramirez in a bases-loaded situation. Even so, Elder is off to a solid start to the season with just two earned runs through three starts (17.2 innings). His next start is projected for next week at home against the Marlins.