Sep 23, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II (23) hits a home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Elder began the season in Triple-A Gwinnett but will end up leading Atlanta in starts. Wednesday’s game will be his 28th start of the year.
When Elder is good, he can be very good. He has allowed two or fewer runs in five his past six starts, most recently surrendering only one run in seven innings during a win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
However, when Elder is bad, he can be very bad. Two starts ago, he gave up six runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Houston Astros. He has allowed five or more runs seven times this year, once allowing 10 runs and twice giving up eight runs.
Elder has made five career starts against Washington, going 2-1 with a 2.84 ERA. His lone appearance vs. the Nationals this year resulted in a no-decision after he threw six innings of one-run ball on May 14.
Alvarez is a rookie who will face the Braves for the first time while making the fifth start of his career. After allowing two runs in 15 2/3 innings over his first three starts (1.15 ERA), he was roughed up by the New York Mets on Friday when he yielded six runs, four earned, in 3 1/3 innings.
“He throws strikes, and that’s something I like,” interim Washington manager Miguel Cairo said. “I want him to compete. I want him to go after hitters.”
Atlanta made several roster moves on Tuesday. The Braves recalled infielder Brett Wisely from Gwinnett to replace second baseman Ozzie Albies, who broke the hamate bone in his left wrist and will miss the rest of the season. Wisely went 0-for-1 with a walk on Tuesday.
The Braves also added Joel Payamps to the active roster a day after claiming the right-hander off waivers from the Milwaukee Brewers, and he threw an inning of scoreless relief Tuesday night. Right-hander Nathan Wiles was optioned to Gwinnett.
