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The Mystery Of The Atlanta Braves Left-Handed Pitcher Eric O’Flaherty

By John Le

Feb 21, 2017; Disney, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) throws a pitch in a practice following media day for the Atlanta Braves during MLB spring training at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2017; Disney, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) throws a pitch in a practice following media day for the Atlanta Braves during MLB spring training at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can O’Flaherty Regain His Success Or Is It Smoke And Mirrors For Atlanta Again?

In December, the Atlanta Braves re-signed Eric O’Flaherty to a minor league contract with a spring training invite. Now they are cutting the roster down in time for Opening Day and it is seems very likely that he gets a bullpen spot.

In 2016, O’Flaherty did not have a good time as he struggled for Atlanta, posting a 6.91 ERA. To add to that, he experienced multiple injuries before the Braves decided to shut him down. The 32-year-old underwent another elbow surgery this offseason, which led to many to believe that he might be done for good.

However, O’Flaherty has been one of the surprises this spring, pitching to a 1.69 ERA in 10.2 innings while striking out 14 batters. On Friday, in a game against the Detroit Tigers, O’Flaherty threw a perfect inning, with two strikeouts.

On Saturday, the Braves announced the release of Blaine Boyer, and on Sunday, announced the signing of David Hernandez, adding one more reliever competing for a bullpen spot. The overall camp roster count is now at 37 players.

So far, assuming the Braves still want to carry eight relievers, the ‘pen is expected to consist of Jim Johnson, Ian Krol, Arodys Vizcaino, Mauricio Cabrera, and either Jose Ramirez, Chaz Roe or Paco Rodriguez, if not all three. This plus Hernandez could leave O’Flaherty as the odd man out.

Ramirez, Roe and Rodriguez have not had the best spring with Rodriguez just returning from surgery himself, which would be a positive for O’Flaherty. Cabrera is recently dealing with elbow soreness and could possible start the season on the DL, another positive for O’Flaherty.

The Braves also recently claimed LHP Kevin Chapman. Dark horses competing are Joel De La Cruz and Josh Collmenter. The big question is if O’Flaherty can carry his spring success into the season.

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O’Flaherty was once one of the most dangerous lefty relievers in the game during his first stint with Atlanta (2009-2013). In 2011, he pitched an ERA of just 0.98 in 73.2 innings!

He was a part of the bullpen’s back-end trio with All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and All-Star set-up man Jonny Venters, dubbed “O’Ventbrel.”

It was in his 2013 season when the trouble started for him, as he experienced a left elbow strain, which was found to be a torn UCL… and Tommy John surgery.

After that, he never really found the same success with the Oakland Athletics and New York Mets, before finally being traded back to the Braves by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Now he is back again and critics still are uncertain that he can be effective for the team. O’Flaherty has a solid 3.53 career spring training ERA, but as recent history has shown, he doesn’t have the same success during the actual season.

However, if O’Flaherty can find his niche again, he could become a vital role for the bullpen this season. He would fit in nicely as another left-handed option alongside Krol and Rodriguez (if he makes the team). If O’Flaherty does make the roster, he needs to stay healthy if the bullpen is to remain consistent.

His repertoire consists of a four-seam fastball, a slider, a change-up and a sinker for his main weapon that can reach 91 MPH. He also produces high ground-ball rates; in 2016, he produced a percentage of 54.0. If he can get back in form (which essentially means reducing hard-hit balls), and this spring showed that he can, it would do wonders.

O’Flaherty has done enough, and maybe more, to at least earn a spot in the bullpen. Looking at the stats now, he would probably be one of the more trusty relievers the Braves would feel comfortable to bring into the game.

Next: Just Need To Cut A Little Bit Here And There

It’s only a matter of time now before the Braves announce the rest of the roster for Opening Day. As for right now, with one week left, O’Flaherty has a strong chance to win a spot on that list and I think he will get it.

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