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Bridging the Gap: How Alex Anthoupolous constructed the Braves Bullpen for October

By Kyle Walter

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Mark Melancon #36 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Mark Melancon #36 of the Atlanta Braves throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Will Smith #51 of the Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2020 Offseason

Two of the Braves most impactful relievers were added in the 2020 offseason. Early on in the signing period, AA pulled the trigger on signing Will Smith to a 3 year, $39 million deal. Smith has been one of the most effective lefty relievers in the league the last few years, and it was a need for the team.

Smith did not have the greatest regular season, but that can be forgiven since he was out for a long time dealing with COVID-19. In the playoffs however, he hs done exceptional work. That’s why he was signed.

One of the less heralded signings of the offseason was Tyler Matzek. A hghly regarded Rockies prospect, he struggled at the major league level and was out of the pros after 2015. He bounced around in independant league ball for a few years until AA took a chance on him.

All he’s done is have a 2.79 ERA, 1.138 WHIP, and 43 Ks in 29 IP after not pitching in the majors since 2015. In Game 2, he threw two solid scoreless innings after Ian Anderson came out of the game in the 4th.

Related Story. Cautious Optimism. light

Overall, AA has done a fantastic job constructing this bullpen for October success. Let’s hope that that momentum can carry us to a World Series!

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