Are There Problems in the Atlanta Braves Bullpen

Apr 25, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The Braves bullpen shut down the Philies allowing closer Jason Grilli (39) toearn his seventh save. Grilli and catcher A.J. Pierzynski (15) celebrate win against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Braves defeated the Phillies, 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Successes

At the beginning of the year the Braves Bullpen had two lefties in place; McKirahan and Avilan. Avilan’s return to form this season reminded folks how good he was in 2013. So far this year he’s made eight appearances he’s thrown eight innings with a 2.25 ERA and a 0.750 WHIP striking out four and walking one.

McKirahan appeared to be the find of the off season. He appeared in three games for 4 1/3 IP posting a WHIP of 0.923 before being suspended for using a cream containing Ipamorelin (a PED) on his elbow while in camp with the Cubs.

If middle relievers had entry music (please no more special music it’s a bit ridiculous now) it would be “How do you like me now?”  After being removed from the 40 man roster and left unprotected in the Rule 5 draft, Martin’s become the multi-inning specialist in the Braves bullpen. In 10 appearances with 11 1/3 IP martin boasts a 1.54 ERA and 0.943 WHIP striking out 14 and walking just 2 of the 44 batters faced without allowing any of his four inherited runners to score.

Cunniff was probably the least known reliever to quietly make a contribution this season. After being called up on April 6 he appeared in 10 of the Braves next 15 games posting a 2.00 ERA and 0.778 WHIP in 9 IP striking out 9 and walking 6.

The man with the biggest shoes to fill was Jason Grilli who stepped into the shoes of the games best closer for the last four seasons when Kimbrel was traded to the Padres.  He’s done the job well saving seven games in seven opportunities with an ERA of 1.29 and a WHIP of 0.571 striking out 11 of the 25 batters faced and walking two.