The season is just a week old but so far Braves relief pitchers have collectively been among the best in the majors.
Entering Sunday’s games the Braves had the only bullpen in the National League that had yet to surrender a run. Braves relievers also had allowed the lowest on-base percentage in the majors (.133), the fewest walks and hits per inning pitched (0.44) and were one of two clubs with no extra-base hits allowed by the bullpen (St. Louis was the other).
“It’s been awesome,” Braves closer Jason Grilli said. “Everybody is coming into their own. Everybody is accountable for what they are doing. The confidence is high. Everybody has their roles defined, figuring it out.”
The Braves have done it with nearly all new faces in the bullpen. Left-hander Luis Avilan is the only major holdover. Jordan Walden, Anthony Varvaro, David Carpenter and David Hale were traded before spring training and closer Craig Kimbrel was dealt on the eve of opening day.
The Braves brought in veterans Grilli and Jim Johnson to join Avilan. Rookies Brandon Cunniff and Cody Martin have played major roles.
“It’s awesome,” Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “We’ve got pretty much a whole new bullpen this year. What they’ve been doing … it’s been impressive to watch.”
