Atlanta Braves: 5 key factors to first half success in 2019

The Atlanta Braves are set to start the second half of the season in first place. Let’s look at five maybe under the radar scenarios that have led to this.

First off, everyone knew the Atlanta Braves were ultra talented and were very capable of defending the 2018 NL East crown.

However, many pundits did not pick them to win it again in 2019, as many picked the Nationals and Phillies.

They still may be right, but the Atlanta Braves are entering the second half with a big lead and let’s hope it stays that way.

Now before we get into these five reasons why the Braves are succeeding, please know that obviously the talent was stacked anyways.

I didn’t feel it necessary to simply just put one reason down as we have Freddie Freeman. Everyone already knew how good he was.

Also, I really wanted to put Dansby Swanson’s outstanding year so far, but I just fell short on that. So let’s get going, shall we?

5. The Bullpen has settled down

Go back to late April. Everyone held there breath any time any reliever we had was coming in. Things were dark in the pen and no one was able to get outs it seemed. AJ Minter was sent down and has regained his form mostly since being recalled.

Luke Jackson had one bad outing on opening day and it seemed no one was going to forgive him for weeks for it. He has now been solid since taking over the closing role.

Sean Newcomb has been fairly good since being recalled from Gwinnett as well in a bullpen role.

Most notably though has been the acquisition of Anthony Swarzak. He has been used in many high leverage situations and has succeeded in all of them, although of course, he is now on the IL.

Many people I think would still be surprised to find out that the Braves have the third-best relief ERA at 3.64. Tampa sits second with a 3.62 ERA.

Another key factor is that the bullpen isn’t walking people at a historical rate so far this year. In fact, eight teams have issued more walks from the relievers.

So to finish up on the pen, yes there could still be some room for improvement as I expect the Braves to at least tinker with the option of an established closer, but the bullpen is quietly becoming a strength for the Braves unlike it was in April.