With reliver Chris Martin headed for an IL stint, and an Atlanta Braves bullpen that has allowed twelve runs over its last thirteen innings, the phrase “you can never have enough pitching” proves itself to be true once again.
So the question rises again that many Atlanta Braves fans, including myself, asked even before the season started.
Why not bring back Shane Greene?
Arguably one of the top, if not the top, reliver available, Greene posted an impressive 2.60 ERA in 28 appearances for the Braves in 2020, and added an adequate 2.33 SO/BB ratio.
While some may argue the advanced metrics don’t suffice for the right-hander, a 33.8% hard-hit rate (second-best of his career) and a 3.30 GB/FB ratio are more than sufficient for a free agency addition in a time where the Braves pen desperately needs a trustworthy right-handed arm.
The success in 2020 for Greene can also largely be attributed to the introduction of a new-look changeup. After throwing it just five times in 27 games in 2019, Greene generated a 28% whiff rate with the changeup in 2020. The pitch was arguably his best put-away pitch behind his already effective cutter.
With 2020 closer, Mark Melancon, headed to San Diego, and Darren O’Day signing a one-year deal with the Yankees, the Braves made no effort this offseason to restock their collection of right-handed arms.
Taking a look into the depth of the pen, relying on guys like Luke Jackson, Josh Tomlin, and Jacob Webb to be our primary arms from the right side just isn’t enough to keep up with what’s playing out to be a loaded NL East division.
There is reason to believe Greene can keep his successful pace in 2021. With Huascar Ynoa’s lights-out stuff sliding him into the starting rotation, and Chris Martin heading to the IL with no timetable for a return, there’s no better time than now to give Greene a shot.