The Atlanta Braves bullpen showed up big time in the NLDS and were a major factor in the Braves moving on to the NLCS.
The bullpen was brilliant in the National League Division Series. Imagine telling someone months ago that the bullpen would be a positive for the Braves in the postseason.
Now imagine telling them that the reliever acquired at the trade deadline, Richard Rodríguez, would not even be a part of the postseason roster.
Imagine telling someone that in August that Will Smith would not allow a single run in the NLDS.
Relief in the Later Innings
Thankfully, the bullpen shutdown the Milwaukee Brewers and are a big reason for why the Braves are moving on to the NLCS.
Look at the performances:
- Game 1: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
- Game 2: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
- Game 3: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
- Game 4: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Overall, the bullpen worked 14.2 innings, allowed 9 hits, 7 walks, struck out 19, and allowed only 2 runs. Dominant.
The two runs came from Huascar Ynoa, who is the Braves 4th starter who was used out of the bullpen in game 4. Meaning the regular bullpen guys did not allow a single run against the Brewers.
The Individual performances out of the bullpen was incredible:
- A.J. Minter: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
- Jesse Chavez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
- Luke Jackson: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
- Tyler Matzek: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
- Will Smith: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
- 3-3 in save opportunities!
Take out Ynoa’s innings, and the main bullpen guys gave the Braves 13.2 innings of relief, allowed 7 hits, 6 walks, struck out 17 batters, and gave up 0 runs.
In fact, out of the six runs the Brewers scored, Charlie Morton gave up four of the runs. Morton pitched fine in his two games, and while some debated that he gave up those runs because he was left in too long, he pitched well and will be pivotal going forward for the Braves.
Think about the guys that made up this collective dominance.
Minter was sent to AAA earlier in the year because he was struggling badly. Chavez started in the minor leagues and was not even on the 40 man to begin the year but ended pitching in big moments for the Braves down the stretch.
Luke Jackson has been a hot topic of debate with Braves fans since 2019, with some wanting the team to get rid of him at times. Now, he is one of the most beloved players on the team and seen for what he truly is, elite.
We all know Matzek’s story and wondered if 2020 was a mirage. Most figured his magical run was coming to an end on July 6th, when he walked in the winning run for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now in the playoffs, he has been lights out.
Then there is Will Smith. The main cause of heartache and stress throughout the regular season. He pitched well in September, but most would admit they were still not comfortable seeing Smith on the mound in the 9th.
Yet, he was essentially perfect in shutting the door on the Brewers.
The bullpen was huge for the Braves in the Divisional Series, and it came without the help of Rodríguez, the guy most figured would be the one to right the ship.
Hopefully, the bullpen carries over their recent success into the NLCS. The Braves need them to be on top of their game if they want to continue their playoff run and make a play for the World Series.
A bullpen that is clicking in October, can be a recipe for success.