Can Bryce Elder Ignite the Braves’ Dominance and Deepen the Athletics’ Despair?

Can Bryce Elder Ignite the Braves’ Dominance and Deepen the Athletics’ Despair?

Opposite him, Jacob Lopez steps up for the A’s, fresh off what many consider a breakout rookie campaign. His surface numbers—a 4.08 ERA and 4.26 FIP—look average, but scratch deeper: a solid 3.64 xERA, .211 xBA, and a stingy 86.9 mph average exit velocity against. His Hard-Hit rate ranks him in the 94th percentile, and he strikes out over 28% of batters he faces. That’s no fluke. The Braves lineup has barely seen him; only a trio of players who crossed over from the AL have faced Lopez, meaning he’s an enigma for most of Atlanta’s hitters. Mix in his arsenal—a lively four-seamer, slider, cutter, change-up, and sinker—and you’ve got a fresh challenge on the horizon.

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