Why the much-used Atlanta Braves bullpen could use some relief
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez exited his start versus the Reds on Tuesday night due to muscle cramps, after making it through 4 2/3 impressive innings.
Once again, the Atlanta Braves are in a situation they’ve found themselves in quite a bit recently, calling on the bullpen before the 7th inning.
It’s worth mentioning that, on the whole, the Braves bullpen has been right around league average in terms of innings logged. Atlanta ranks 6th in the National League in innings pitched by relievers, This alone wouldn’t jump out at you as a red flag.
However, a deeper look at the numbers illustrates a somewhat alarming trend that has taken place lately.
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According to Fangraphs, over the last two weeks, the Braves’ relievers have seen exactly 48 innings of work. Although this is somewhat of a small sample size, this is the fourth highest frequency of innings pitched for any bullpen in baseball in that 14-day stretch.
Over the last 10 games, the Braves have only had a starter pitch into the 7th inning one time. That was Sean Newcomb on June 22nd.
Furthermore, in that same 10-game span, there have been seven games in which the starting pitcher didn’t make it through the 6th inning, and three in which the starter didn’t make it through the 5th.
There have been some individual concerns, too. Arodys Vizcaino, who started the year as the incumbent closer, has been sidelined since June 17th with shoulder soreness. Dan Winkler is undoubtedly having his innings watched in his first full season of action since returning from a horrific elbow injury two years ago. And Shane Carle has the sixth most innings pitched by a reliever in the NL in 2018.
With Atlanta’s upcoming schedule, there’s not much relief in sight.
Beginning Friday, the Braves face ten road games in ten days, all coming against bonafide playoff contenders and strong lineups. Three with the Cardinals, three versus the Yankees, and four against the Brewers.
The young Atlanta starting pitchers will definitely be tested, and the bullpen will likely be called upon again for several more high-stress innings.
This is a storyline that will be interesting to watch unfold in the second half of the year. Will the Braves’ starting rotation, being as youthful as it is, be able to hold up in the long haul to keep the ‘pen fresh enough for October baseball?
Next: Matt Carpenter's record-breaking night in STL
With MLB’s July 31st trade deadline fast approaching, every contender is certainly assessing what needs they have to make their team playoff-ready.
The Atlanta Braves are no exception, and adding one or two quality arms to deepen the depth of the bullpen could be a place to start.