Atlanta Braves: Takeaways from a big win in the nation’s capital

3. Things Got A Little Too Interesting

The Atlanta Braves bullpen has had its share of woes in 2019 but looked much better as of late. Unfortunately, that was not the case for the Atlanta bullpen during the last two games.

Julio Teheran held the Nationals to two runs across 6.2 innings pitched and left the rest to the pen.

Washington would score 7 runs across the next 3 innings. Definitely not what you want to see in a game that seems out of reach.

What was the cause of all this trouble? Walks, walks, walks.

Teheran issued 2 walks but didn’t allow those runners to score. I cannot say the same for A.J. Minter, and Luke Jackson. Minter allowed 2 walks and Jackson allowed 1.

That doesn’t seem like a lot but for a team that is last in walks allowed per nine innings (4.33), it’s too much.

Two of those walks turned into scoring rallies for the Nationals offense. Anthony Swarzak relieved Minter in the 8th inning and allowed a 3-run home run to catcher Yan Gomes. Luke Jackson entered the top of the 9th carrying a 6 run lead.

That lead would be cut to 4 as Jackson issued a leadoff walk and Juan Soto decided he would deposit a 2-run home run into the centerfield seats. Nationals fans enjoyed taunting Jackson during the final inning of the game as well.

Interesting taunt but I’m sure that fan would tell you that it worked out nicely.

Brian Dozier made it a 3-run game as he drove in Howie Kendrick with a single to left field. Luckily, the Braves were able to hold them right there as the game ended on a ground ball to Josh Donaldson that he tossed across successfully to Charlie Culberson at first base (he replaced Freeman in the 7th inning when Atlanta held a 9 run lead).

Swarzak and Minter have not had the best outings lately and that’s hopefully a trend that will end soon. Swarzak hasn’t had a clean inning his last two appearances and I don’t think I really need to explain Minter’s struggles. I’m sure we’ve all endured that enough.

I sure wish they’d just save the dramatics for games that call for it. I don’t think a 6 run lead is the time for that.

It wasn’t the most inspiring performance from the bullpen but Atlanta is lucky that they had enough runs to cushion them throughout the final 3 innings.

With a noontime start for Wednesday’s game, the team couldn’t afford to burn through the bullpen on Tuesday night.

Alex Anthopolous has mentioned that he’s aware that the team could use some relief help and he added one piece to that on Tuesday.

The Atlanta Braves acquired Chris Martin from the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitching prospect Kolby Allard.

Martin has allowed just 4 walks in 38 innings pitched. That is a much welcome sight for a relief core that averages 4 walks every 9 innings.

I hate to see Allard go but I’m not sure if he was in the future plans for Atlanta. He struggled a lot his few times pitching for Atlanta. Maybe this allows him the opportunity to find his way onto an MLB roster. He could be a solid 3rd or 4th starter for Texas.

I’m sure Anthopolous will be a little more motivated to add at least another arm after tonight’s performance. Only time will tell, but I think he’ll do a good job to fill our needs.