MIAMI - While the offense grabs most of the headlines, the Braves’ bullpen shouldn’t be lost in the team’s resurgence. The group pitched 2-2/3 scoreless innings Monday after keeping the Nationals at bay Sunday.
Since June 16, when the bullpen blew a lead for the second consecutive day against the Red Sox, the Braves’ bullpen has a 3.37 ERA (181-2/3 innings). It’s the fifth-best ERA in MLB over that time.
Adding Richard Rodriguez has helped. Snitker has deployed Rodriguez in a multitude of scenarios, from the fifth to eighth inning. Tyler Matzek has been stellar recently. Luke Jackson might be the most underappreciated player on the roster.
“The bullpen, with the addition of Rodriguez there, I think that’s just really lengthened our bullpen,” manager Brian Snitker said. “(A.J.) Minter has come back and thrown the ball really well. So it’s a pretty deep ‘pen again.”
Since the Braves’ 30-35 start, which saw them drop 7-1/2 games back in the division, they’re 33-21. During that time, the bullpen has relinquished only six leads. Its 70% save percentage (14-for-20) is best in the National League. The bullpen’s 3.22 walks per nine ranks the second best in the NL and fourth best in the majors.
“The bullpen has been really lights out for quite a while now,” starter Drew Smyly said. “A lot of guys down there that can pitch the big inning and some high-leverage innings. You feel comfortable with whoever’s on the mound. … You know that he’s going to come in and get the job done.”
Braves notes:
- The Braves sent reliever Jacob Webb to Triple-A Gwinnett to open a roster spot for Huascar Ynoa, who started Tuesday. Webb pitched two scoreless innings on the current road trip, striking out three.
- Touki Toussaint will continue in the Braves’ rotation, Snitker confirmed Tuesday. The right-hander allowed two runs over 6-1/3 innings in Monday’s victory in Miami. He’s allowed two or fewer runs in five of his six starts this season.
A rotation decision awaits when Ian Anderson returns from shoulder inflammation. A temporary six-man group would be one option.
- Former Braves reliever Shane Greene reportedly signed with the Dodgers on Tuesday. Los Angeles has been seeking bullpen reinforcements. The Braves released Greene, 32, after the righty had an 8.47 ERA in 19 appearances.
- The Braves are 7-7 against the Marlins this season. If they win Tuesday and Wednesday, they would take the season series from Miami for the seventh consecutive year.
- Five years ago Tuesday, Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson made his MLB debut. This has become the best season of Swanson’s career, one in which he’s on pace for more than 30 home runs. The Cobb County native has hit .344 with 24 extra-base hits over his past 37 games.
