Chad Bishop

Bryce Elder said something felt a little off in his right knee after a July 9 start in Pittsburgh. He pitched just four innings that day and left after giving up three runs on five hits and two walks. In his next four starts, however, Elder was great, pitching to a 1.88 ERA over 24 innings while the Braves went 3-1 in those games. But after those outings Elder’s knee would become uncomfortable, even swollen at times.

Hicklen had been added to the Braves’ roster for Sunday’s MLB Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania (both the Braves and Brewers were afforded one extra player for the unique game). Hicklen was then, technically, returned to Triple-A Gwinnett before being recalled Monday. The 30-year-old has played in eight games this season for the Braves, hitting .368 in 19 at-bats and driving in three runs.

What a welcome addition Tyler Mahle has been. A right-handed starting pitcher acquired by the Braves from the Giants ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, Mahle has been exceptional for his new team across four starts. In his latest performance, in Sunday’s MLB Little League Classic at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Mahle allowed a single run in five hard-fought innings pitching against the National League-best Brewers. In four starts with his new team, Mahle is now 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA.