How new extra-innings rule benefits the Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves ABCs- Always Be Closin’

With an abbreviated training camp, starting pitchers will not be properly stretched out. The speculation is that we will see a lot of three-inning outings in the first week or two of the season. With every game being so critical, there should be a heavy reliance on the bullpen.

The extra-innings rule will put even more pressure on the pen to shut down the opposing team. It may not be a traditional save opportunity, but this is not a traditional season. Snit has to go with the flow, and that means bringing in a closer to get the win in extras.

The good thing for manager Brian Snitker is that he has five pitchers in the bullpen who were closers last season. Mark Melancon, Will Smith, Shane Greene, Luke Jackson, and Chris Martin were all closers throughout the 2019 season.

Melancon took over after arriving in Atlanta and held the job through the end of the postseason. Luke Jackson led the Braves in saves last season. Will Smith signed a hefty contract with the Braves this past offseason and comes to the team as one of the game’s elite relievers. Chris Martin had recently assumed the role in Texas prior to the Braves sending prospect Kolby Allard in exchange for the big righty.

It will be important to have pitchers than can shut the other team down in extras. With good speed on second, a bloop single can provide the go-ahead run.

Here’s a closer look at three relievers who could be best utilized in extra innings.