Braves send Ian Anderson, Bryce Elder to AAA Gwinnett

We may have just gotten some clarity on who is going to win the 5th starter job

The Atlanta Braves, fresh off of a 15-5 shellacking of the Philadelphia Phillies in spring training action, made some roster moves that may offer some clarity into the regular season plans for the ballclub.

The #Braves today optioned RHP Ian Anderson and RHP Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett. Atlanta now has 50 total players in camp.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) March 14, 2023

Moving Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder to Triple-A Gwinnett represents two significant contenders for the 5th starter job that was available as Atlanta opened the Grapefruit League schedule. 

Neither player pitched particularly well in spring training - Anderson was 0-1 with a 6.14 ERA in 7.1 innings pitched, giving up five earned runs (two via home run), while Elder was (somehow) even worse, going 1-2 with a 6.17 ERA in 11.2 innings pitched with three home runs allowed. 

The early option for both those guys means the door is open for either Dylan Dodd or Jared Shuster to seize the 5th starter job. Both young arms have pitched great, with Dodd having not allowed a run in 8.1 innings while Shuster has allowed only one in 8.2. 

Depth will always work itself out - both of these pitchers, and probably Anderson and Elder, will receive starts at the big league level this year, but we'll see who can seize the job out of spring training and be in the rotation on Opening Day. 

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