Atlanta Braves closer carousel continues with Mark Melancon

Another day, another closer for the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves had done everything they could to shore up the bullpen prior to the trade deadline. Faced with a plethora of question marks in the late innings, the Braves went out and acquired Shane Greene, Chris Martin, and Mark Melancon to add stability, and help make a push for the playoffs. Greene was installed as the Braves closer, where he would theoretically solve the Braves closer issues.

Instead, the closer carousel has continued in Atlanta. Greene is out as the main option in the ninth inning, with Melancon now being handed the reins.

Melancon is now the fifth different pitcher that the Braves have made their primary closer. Arodys Vizcaino had been the closer on Opening Day, but had elbow surgery and was subsequently traded to the Mariners. A.J. Minter was handed the ninth, but struggled and found himself sent to the minors.

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For a time, it seemed that the Braves had some stability in the ninth. Luke Jackson had seized the closer role, and did enough to fend off any internal challenges. However, his 70.8% success rate in closing out games made him a bit of an adventure in the ninth, helping lead to the acquisition of Greene.

Now, it is Melancon’s turn. A former three time All Star, he had been one of the better closers in the game before signing with the Giants, as he posted four consecutive seasons with 30 or more saves. While he is not back at his previous form, Melancon’s 3.26 ERA and 1.369 WHiP over 49.2 innings are his best since 2016.

Melancon himself comes with a degree of risk. He has not been in the closer role since 2017, and struggled in the ninth with the Giants. There are questions as to whether or not he can handle the pressure of closing out games on a team that is expected to contend, given his struggles not only in San Francisco, but during his time in Boston as well.

Nonetheless, it is a risk that the Braves have to take. Eight different pitchers have notched a save for Atlanta this season, even if Greene was unable to record one in his abbreviated stint in that role. Perhaps Melancon can make the ninth pitcher the last.

Of course, it is possible that he also flames out as the Atlanta Braves closer. The closer carousel will likely continue to turn, even with Mark Melancon.