Atlanta Braves bullpen is still full of question marks
While the Atlanta Braves bullpen has improved significantly over the past month, there are still plenty of question marks.
The biggest issue for the Atlanta Braves this year has been its bullpen — from the beginning of the season until now.
They’ve had stretches where they’ve been really good, but it seems like there have been even more stretches where they’ve been really bad.
Bringing in Mark Melancon, Shane Greene, and Chris Martin has helped steady the bullpen and it is definitely much improved, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any question marks.
At this point, there are only two relievers coming out of the bullpen that I have full confidence in — that’s Melancon and Greene.
Greene has given up just 2 earned runs in his last 14 outings, while Melancon has given up just 3 earned runs in his last 10 outings and has picked up 8 saves and a win in those outings.
Sean Newcomb has been solid lately as well giving up just 1 earned run in his last 10 outings, but walks remain an issue.
Chris Martin has been solid allowing just 2 earned runs in his last 9 appearances. He is a lock for the postseason and will likely be used in high leverage situations in the seventh.
Luke Jackson has fallen out of favor after giving up six runs in his last four outings — he can’t be trusted at this point.
Like Jackson, Anthony Swarzak has fallen out of favor a bit giving up 11 earned runs in his last 20 outings.
Jerry Blevins has done his job this year holding lefties to a .157 average in 51 at-bats. I repeat, he should only face lefties.
And Josh Tomlin has done a great job of eating innings, but I don’t see him playing a role in the postseason.
The way I see it, the Atlanta Braves have four reliable guys coming out of the bullpen right now in Melancon, Greene, Newcomb, and Martin.
And again, Newcomb still makes me nervous because of all the walks.
In the postseason they’ll only need four starters, which means Mike Foltynewicz could become part of the bullpen.
That likely leaves two spots open, and one will most likely be filled by Blevins as a lefty specialist.
The last spot is up for grabs and it will come down to who pitches the best over the last two weeks of the regular season.
Next. Folty's case for postseason rotation. dark
But again, outside of the top two arms in the bullpen, the Atlanta Braves still have plenty of question marks out there going into the postseason.