Through three starts, Bryce Elder has had a phenomenal start to his 2023 season. First, he spun six scoreless frames against the Cardinals. Then he really wowed by putting together a 7/1 K/BB ratio across 6 1⁄3 innings against the Reds. He finally gave up some runs last Saturday in Kansas City, and the 4/2 K/BB ratio wasn’t particularly great, but when your worst of three outings is a league-average xFIP-, you’re on solid ground.
But, tonight, Elder will be tested, because the 2022 MLB titleholders, the Houston Astros, are coming to town for a weekend three-game set.