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Thursday, May 4, 2006
Continued concern over ‘pen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves’ rotation appears back on track. The bullpen, though, remains a work in progress. How the pieces come together will likely determine whether the Braves win another division title.
Veteran left-hander Mike Remlinger was a pleasant surprise early in the season, but he doesn’t appear up to such a heavy workload.
With the Phillies sending a lefty-heavy lineup to the plate in the eighth inning Wednesday night, Braves manager Bobby Cox turned to Remlinger. Disaster struck quickly.
Chase Utley led off with a single and Aaron Rowand, the one righty in the middle of the order, hit a home run.
Instead of a comeback 4-3 victory, the Braves had a disheartening 5-4 loss.
Remlinger has pitched in 16 games - the most on the staff. Lance Cormier, who has appeared in 15, won’t be available for a while. He was put on the disabled list Wednesday because of a strained oblique.
Closer Chris Reitsma has pitched better of late, and Oscar Villarreal and Ken Ray have had some good moments. But the bullpen is definitely a continuing concern.
General manager John Schuerholz is almost certain to make a move before the trade deadline. But will the Braves still be in the race?
