Finding fault with the Atlanta Braves right now feels extremely nitpicky. Despite all the injuries, Atlanta's rotation has done a tremendous job, and the offense seems to have at least one big inning every single game. Even when they are not at their best, the Braves are still finding ways to win baseball games, and it is delightful. However, there is a growing issue when it comes to their middle relievers.
Raisel Iglesias is on the injured list, but all indications are that he should be just fine. Robert Suarez has done extremely well in his first season in Atlanta, with Dylan Lee and Tyler Kinley handling setup duties ably thus far. However, both Joel Payamps and Aaron Bummer have left a lot to be desired.
Bummer being a lefty helps his case, but his appearances often turn into needless adventures, and his 5.90 FIP implies that the regression monster is coming for him. However, Payamps has actually been significantly worse than Bummer, and the Braves have an option in Triple-A that looks strictly better and who definitely has more upside in James Karinchak.
Braves need to be bold and replace Joel Payamps with James Karinchak before it costs them
While the decision to carry Payamps or not isn't likely to make-or-break the Braves' season, that isn't a reason to keep him around. It would be one thing if Payamps' 6.14 ERA and similar FIP were out of character for him and could be explained by early-season rust. However, this is pretty much exactly what Payamps was last year with the Brewers. At some point, he is what he is.
On the flip side, you have Karinchak, who is anything but a sure thing. The Braves brought him in this past offseason as a lottery ticket, and Karinchak certainly opened some eyes in Braves camp before getting shuffled off to Triple-A Gwinnett. Through nine appearances, Karinchak owns a 1.54 ERA with 13 strikeouts in 11.2 innings of work.
In Karinchak, the Braves would be getting an admittedly volatile reliever based on his MLB track record, but one with massive upside who also has the added benefit of being able to go multiple innings. If the whole bullpen was playing well, then keeping Karinchak stashed away in the minors would be defensible. However, it feels like he is just a better, fresher bullpen arm right now, and given what the Braves have gotten out of Payamps, what do they really stand to lose?
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