3 takeaways as Atlanta Braves finish off 4-game sweep of Pirates

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 13: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts towards the Pittsburgh Pirates bench after a failed attempt to pick him off at first base with Josh Bell #55 in the first inning at SunTrust Park on June 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 13: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves reacts towards the Pittsburgh Pirates bench after a failed attempt to pick him off at first base with Josh Bell #55 in the first inning at SunTrust Park on June 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 13: Luke Jackson #77 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at SunTrust Park on June 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 13: Luke Jackson #77 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at SunTrust Park on June 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. The Braves still need a closer

Luke Jackson was the story there for a minute, and don’t get me wrong, he is still pitching good and is one of the better current relief options, but he should not be the closer for this Atlanta Braves team.

His numbers have risen the past few weeks due to some runs he has allowed. He allowed an unearned run in Thursday’s contest but hung on and collected his 10th save of the season.

Many folks wanted Craig Kimbrel, and I understand why, but better options are out on the trade market and I would be shocked if the Atlanta Braves don’t acquire a minimum of 1 late inning option come July.

The ‘Neighborhood Slider-Man’ has been amazing for the Braves and helped steadied the bullpen, but I think most would agree that an upgrade is eventually going to be needed.

All in all, though, we obviously can’t complain about much as the team is scorching at the right time and are playing great ball.

Hopefully that continues with the Phillies coming to town and hopefully, we can talk about a 10-game winning streak Sunday evening.

Next. Trui...what?. dark

Let us know about your takeaway’s from the series finale against the Pirates in the comments below.