You can understand it if Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez is tempted to call on veterans Jason Grilli and Jim Johnson each time he needs important outs from the bullpen.
Johnson is the setup man and Grilli is the closer. There’s also lefty specialist Luis Avilan, who so far back to his sharp from from 2013 after last season’s disappointing results.
There’s a steep drop off in bullpen experience from there. Cody Martin, Brandon Cunniff, and Andrew McKirahan have been effective but they all made their big-league debuts in the past week. Sugar Ray Marimon just got called up on Monday and made his debut in the majors on Tuesday.
The lack of experienced depth so far hasn’t hurt the bullpen because the rookies have been effective.
“It’s impressive,” Johnson said. “Give the young guys all the credit.”
Yet there’s been one striking example of what can happen when Gonzalez tries to give one of his veteran relief pitchers a break.
Gonzalez and Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell didn’t want to use Johnson on Sunday against the Mets after he’d pitched back-to-back games. Gonzalez instead used Juan Jaime, who issued two walks that led to the decisive runs in the 4-3 loss.
It wasn’t Johnson’s decision to take the day off but he said he understands Gonzalez’s reasoning.
“They have to do that,” Johnson said of monitoring his workload. “I don’t want them to do it. But you can’t go to the line every day as a reliever, especially early in the season because that will catch up with you down the road. But you want to, especially when you are throwing the ball well. It’s good to have them looking out for you on the backside.”
Entering Tuesday’s game against the Marlins, Johnson had appeared in five of seven games for a total of 5 1/3 innings. He had only pitched back-to-back games the one time and had not thrown more than 18 pitches in a game.
Grilli so far hasn’t pitched in back-to-back games. Gonzalez used Johnson in the ninth inning to close out the victory against the Mets on Saturday after Grilli had thrown 28 pitches while securing a victory the previous night.
Like Johnson, Grilli said it’s up the manager and coaches to watch his workload.
“If you ask any pitcher, if a manager or pitching coach or bullpen coach is asking you can you go today, there aren’t too many guys who say, ‘No,’” Grilli said. “We are competitors. We are always good to take the ball. I can speak for myself, that’s true wholeheartedly. You are accountable for going out there and being ready. (Monday) night I didn’t have my best stuff but I got the job done.””
Grilli needed 29 pitches to finish the 3-2 victory against the Marlins on Monday. He gave up a lead-off double to Martin Prado, struck out the next two batters, and walked Jarrod Saltalamacchia before Adeiny Hechavarria hit a run-scoring single. Grilli ended the game by striking out pinch hitter Jeff Baker.
Grilli said his mental focus was lacking after a long day that included a team luncheon in the afternoon and two rain delays. Grilli said he felt fine physically though he’s still trying to “get into my groove.”
Grilli said he was ready if needed again on Tuesday but understands if he doesn’t get the call.
“They are receptive in monitoring our workload,” Grilli said. “That’s a good thing.”
Still, Johnson and Grilli are the best options in the bullpen. They have a long track record of success—this is Grilli’s 13th season and Johnson’s 10th—so Gonzalez will try and use them as often as possible in important situations.
In the meantime, Gonzalez said his two veteran relievers have helped their younger teammates in the bullpen rise to the level where he can depend on them, too.
“Two different guys, but they’re both veterans, serious, and they bring it every day,” Gonzalez said of Johnson and Grilli. “It’s been fun. Unbelievable preparation (by) both of those guys, before a game, and I think the young guys follow them. They’re two good role models.”
