Atlanta Braves still stubbornly clinging to internal options to resolve holes
I suppose we can now say ‘it’s still only 2 games’, but thus far the pitching staff has been unable to slow down this Philadelphia attack.
We knew that Philadelphia had a lineup capable of doing some serious damage. We just hoped that the Atlanta Braves would have pitching arms to match up better.
I was on record in February suggesting that the trade of J.T. Realmuto to the Phillies would end up being a bitter pill for the Braves to swallow. Thus far, it’s not just been about him, but virtually everyone in their lineup.
18 runs, 16 hits, 14 walks (1 intentional) in just 2 games. Sure, we had hoped for better, but the fact is this: there really isn’t a single direction in which to point a finger for blame. Virtually everyone run out to a mound has struggled against that Philadelphia Phirepower.
So tonight Kyle Wright gets a turn in the tempest. The odds are well-stacked against him already:
- His first career start…
- …on the road
- …against a team that has already laid waste to the Braves pitching staff
- …on a national stage (the opening ESPN Sunday night game)
- …in less that ideal conditions (game-time temps expected to be falling through the 40’s)
Go get ’em kid. At least you have the support of a grizzled vet behind the plate tonight.
Help can’t arrive soon enough
It’s going to be one at a time, but at least the balky Brave arms will be arriving at various points soon:
Beyond these 2, Kevin Gausman should be ready by the time the Marlins hit Atlanta this weekend and Mike Foltynewicz – so far – appears to be on schedule for another 1-2 weeks beyond that.
No wonder that Ken Rosenthal wrote this in The Athletic this afternoon (subscription required):
"Other NL East teams have a greater need for Kimbrel; the early days of the season already have exposed cracks in the bullpens of the Phillies, Nationals and especially the Braves."
Well, shucks… I wish I’d have thought about that.
Rosenthal does write that there seems to be more chatter right now about Dallas Keuchel, with the Padres most determined in their pursuit of a starting pitcher.
Beyond that, Milwaukee “remain[s] more interested” in Craig Kimbrel, according to Rosenthal. The Rays are also staying “in touch” with his agent.
Honestly: even without dropping these 2 games in this manner, the lack of Atlanta Braves’ interest in Craig Kimbrel – essentially waiting for him to beg for a spot – is unimaginable to me.
When you do compound the injuries to the bullpen and realize that things may only truly get better if all of these players get fully healthy, the inaction becomes mind-blowing.
If reports are true that the only barrier is a 3rd year… I don’t like having angry responses, but that’s what I’m feeling at this point. At a minimum, a direct explanation from the front office is probably warranted (I’m not holding my breath waiting).
Does it save these first 2 games if Kimbrel is on the roster? No… but this is not about 2 games in late March: it’s all about giving this team the right tools to win the season.