Atlanta Braves were excited to learn on Thursday that the team was calling up Didier Fuentes to give the Braves' rotation a boost as well as some extra rest. What we didn't know at the time was who Atlanta would cut loose to make room for Fuentes. Now we know that the Braves DFA'd Jose Ruiz as the corresponding roster move and while that was extremely welcome news, that should only be the beginning.
The Braves' experiment with Ruiz was a resounding failure. He wasn't good with the Phillies this season and his two appearances with Atlanta did not look like he was close to figuring anything out. However, Ruiz's struggles were only part of the Braves' bullpen puzzle and they need to make some changes quickly before their relief corps cost them any more games.
Braves need more bullpen changes than just cutting Jose Ruiz loose
Raisel Iglesias seems to have gotten back on track after some horrid struggles earlier this season and losing his closer job. Lefties Aaron Bummer and Dylan Lee have both been better than they have gotten credit for, but things get pretty sketchy after that.
Rafael Montero should have been sent packing a while ago. When he is successful, it looks like an accident and when he implodes, and he does, it is usually in spectacular fashion. Enyel De Los Santos has been "fine", but he has been inconsistent and isn't really a guy you want to rely on in high leverage situations. Pierce Johnson had been terrific, but has struggled over the last three weeks or so and Brian Snitker seems to be avoiding using him lately.
In short, the Braves need real right-handed relief help and very soon. Atlanta has managed to win three series in a row after one of the most frustrating stretches in modern memory. The offense seems to be waking up now that Ronald Acuna Jr. is back and the Braves are finding themselves with leads much more often. It is up to the front office now to give the team a bullpen at the trade deadline that can actually preserve those leads.