Elder is the most likely candidate to get called up when Max Fried (hamstring) is placed on the injured list, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ian Anderson was the other option, but he got hammered for three home runs in two-thirds of an inning Sunday for Triple-A Gwinnett. Elder didn't have a great beginning to his season either, allowing four runs over six innings for Gwinnett on Friday, but he'll be on schedule to step into Atlanta's rotation Wednesday against the Cardinals.

Elder was optioned Tuesday to Triple-A Gwinnett by Atlanta.

EDGE Analysis

Both Elder and Ian Anderson were optioned to Triple-A by Atlanta, so it will be interesting to see what the plan is for the club in terms of a fifth starter. Elder was bidding for a spot in that rotation, but it appears the right-hander will begin the season in the minors. It seems likely that Elder will still make starts for Atlanta at some point in 2023.

Elder gave up one hit and struck out three over three scoreless innings in Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Astros.

EDGE Analysis

Facing a Houston lineup that contained the likes of Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman, Elder fared much better than he had in his first spring start. The 23-year-old righty is very much in the mix for an Opening Day rotation spot, and he might even be the favorite at the moment with Mike Soroka (hamstring) still having trouble staying healthy and Ian Anderson scuffling so far in camp.

Elder is scheduled to make his second Grapefruit League start Friday against the Astros, Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elder said he felt rushed while adjusting to the new pitch clock in his spring debut Sunday, when he was lit up for four earned runs over just 1.2 innings versus the Yankees. Fighting for the final spot in Atlanta's season-opening starting rotation, he'll look to show more comfort and command Friday afternoon against the reigning World Series champs. Ian Anderson is Elder's primary competition for that No. 5 starter role.

Elder (2-4) took the loss Monday, giving up four runs on six hits and a walk over five innings as Atlanta fell 4-0 to the Marlins. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie right-hander wasn't able to take advantage of a soft matchup, getting tagged for a pair of runs in the first and third innings while getting no run support. Elder fired 67 of 98 pitches for strikes, and he still sports an impressive 1.75 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 23:6 K:BB through 25.2 innings in September, although all four of his starts have come against the Marlins or Nationals -- not exactly playoff-caliber competition.

Elder (2-3) allowed six hits and a walk while striking out six in a complete game shutout of the Nationals on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The 23-year-old right-hander is one of the late-comers to Atlanta's rookie brigade, but he's making a case for inclusion on the team's postseason roster. Elder has posted a 0.65 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 28:8 K:BB over 27.2 innings in four spot starts dating back to mid-August, but it should be noted all four outings came against Miami or Washington.

Elder is scheduled to start Monday's game in Washington.

EDGE Analysis

With Spencer Strider (oblique) landing on the injured list last week, Elder looks poised to finish the regular season as a member of Atlanta's rotation. The rookie right-hander fared well in his most recent start Sept. 21 against Washington, striking out six in a no-decision while allowing one earned run on four hits and two walks across 5.2 frames.

Elder allowed one earned run on four hits and two walks while striking out six across 5.2 innings Wednesday against the Nationals. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Elder got a spot start after Spencer Strider (oblique) had his start pushed back a few days. Elder took advantage of the look at the big-league level, inducing nine groundball outs to go along with his six punchouts to keep the Nationals lineup in check. Though he's pitched at Triple-A Gwinnett for much of the season, Elder has maintained a 3.38 ERA with a 36:21 K:BB across 40 innings with Atlanta on the campaign.

Elder will start Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Spencer Strider's oblique is bothering him, so he will be pushed back a few days and Elder will step into the rotation Wednesday in order to allow Max Fried to line up against the Phillies on Thursday. Elder dazzled in his last two MLB starts, striking out 16 and allowing just one earned run in 13 total innings.

Elder was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Elder will return to the big leagues after being sent down Sept. 4, joining Atlanta's bullpen for the stretch run. The right-hander has produced a 3.67 ERA and 1.37 WHIP with 30 strikeouts over 34.1 frames in seven appearances including six starts with Atlanta this season. William Woods was sent down to Gwinnett in a corresponding move.