On Sunday, the Braves will return to North Port to face the Red Sox at CoolToday Park. According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Bryce Elder will start the home opener.

The 2023 All-Star is set to compete for the final spot in the rotation, and a solid spring performance will go a long way in securing it.

Because of roster management, Lopez appears to be the front-runner, but Elder will still have an impact. The Texas product has a 2.45 ERA in 17 starts, but a 5.26 ERA in his last ten.

It would be unusual for an NL All-Star to start the next season in Triple-A, but this is a good thing for the Braves. Bryce Elder’s scenario exemplifies Atlanta’s excellent starting pitching depth.

As previously noted, more than a dozen pitchers are expected to start games for the Braves this season; depth is required.

Live from Braves Spring Training: Ronald Acuña Jr. wants to be a Brave for life

The Braves’ Spring Training is in full motion as they face the Rays today in the Grapefruit League opener, with Spencer Strider on the mound and, strangely, Marcell Ozuna at first.

Ronald Acuña Jr. has been a major topic of discussion at Braves Spring Training. The reigning MVP became the only player in history to smash 40 or more home runs (41) and steal 70 or more bases (73) in the same season, leading to his unanimous selection for the league’s top honor.

Acuña, the most electric player in the game today, spoke at Braves Spring Training about staying with the team for the rest of his career.

“It’s no secret I want to be a Brave for life,” Acuña stated in his first media appearance since the offseason. “That is my hope. I wish I can stay here forever. Hopefully, we will be able to make it happen soon.

With $85 million and five years remaining on his contract, the Venezuelan superstar isn’t close to free agency, but the sooner Alex Anthopoulos signs an extension, the better it will be for Atlanta.

Acuña is expected to earn around $400 million with his current contract and extension. However, if he hits the open market after his age-30 season, the Braves will likely be outbid in free agency, as seen with previous franchise players.

During Braves Spring Training in North Port, I had a close-up look at Ronald Acuña Jr. and couldn’t help but say ‘Wow.’ His power comes effortlessly, but what was most

In the newest edition of SportsTalkATL, I’m live from Braves Spring Training with Fox 5’s Miles Garrett to discuss Acuña’s impact, his desire to become a Brave for life, and a potential contract to make that happen.