After coming up empty at the trade deadline, the Braves get sterling starts from Elder, Holmes

After failing to secure a top-tier starting pitcher at the trade deadline, the Atlanta Braves have relied on impressive performances from young pitchers Bryce Elder and Grant Holmes. Elder and Holmes have been instrumental in securing two victories against the Miami Marlins, with Elder delivering a one-hit, seven-inning gem and Holmes pitching six scoreless innings.

Manager Walt Weiss attributed the team's recent success to the players' determination to rise above the criticism following the trade deadline fiasco. Weiss emphasized the importance of having something that sets the team apart in the highly competitive league: "One of our messages to players, especially young players, is you've got to find something that puts a chip on your shoulder in this league or the rest of the league will chew you up."

Elder's dominant performance was particularly noteworthy, coming after a slump in June that raised questions about his place in the rotation. Following the recent stretch, Elder has turned in four excellent starts, posting a 3-0 record in 24 innings while surrendering just five runs. The 27-year-old Texan has proven that he can maintain his effectiveness despite his lack of traditional velocity, relying on his pitch command, movement, and pitch variety to outmaneuver hitters.

The Braves' rotation currently includes Elder, Holmes, and Martín Pérez, joined by younger prospects such as Tyler Mahle from the Giants. While the team had hoped to bolster its starting pitching ahead of the deadline, the new addition of Mahle serves as a reminder that the Braves will continue to rely on their young talent to compete for the top spot in the NL East.