The bullpen caught fan criticism and bad headlines in the beginning of the season. For the most part, they deserved it. Now, they’ve flipped the script.
With the acquisition of Anthony Swarzak – who had struggled with the Seattle Mariners – everything seemed to change. The Atlanta Braves bullpen is now one of the best in baseball.
Closer Luke Jackson has been effective, but sometimes makes things really, really interesting. There are many rumors and fans are clamoring for an upgrade at the back of the bullpen.
Sean Newcomb, after a demotion to AAA has settled right into the pen, and many think he has what it takes to close.
Veterans Josh Tomlin and Jerry Blevins have rarely shined, but are giving fans what they expect, a solid performance. They do their jobs.
The rarely discussed Jacob Webb has been a quiet assassin for the Atlanta Braves with super low marks in ERA (1.36) and WHIP (1.11).
Unfortunately, it’s Webb who has come up with an elbow issue coming out of the All-Star break, and he will be on the shelf for a while.
The #Braves today recalled RHP Huascar Ynoa from Triple-A Gwinnett and placed RHP Jacob Webb on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to July 13, with a right elbow impingement.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 15, 2019
But there are other three relief arms – teeming with potential – that can take this club so much further if they click on all cylinders in the second half.
The Braves still need this… while they enjoy one of the largest division leads in baseball, there’s reason to keep the foot firmly on the gas pedal.
The Washington Nationals have hit an incredible stride, and the Philadelphia Phillies are too talented not to win at some point… right? Okay, maybe not them so much.
So let’s take a look at 3 Atlanta Braves pitchers that could step up and possibly solve a lot of the bullpen problems that we still have.