Will Smith doing his best to keep Atlanta Braves from postseason

The Atlanta Braves have been one of the biggest surprises of the second half. After needing to completely remake their outfield, they have roared back from being below .500 to take over the lead in the NL East. With just over a week left, and a 1.5 game lead in the division, the Braves are seemingly in a good spot to return to the postseason.

That does not mean that every part of the Braves roster is doing their part to make the postseason push happen. Will Smith has been a disaster lately, essentially serving as napalm over his last 20 appearances.

Will Smith doing his best to keep Atlanta Braves from postseason

Those struggles likely explain why Smith has not pitched since September 19. And he has been better in September overall, allowing just two runs on four hits and two runs over his eight innings this month, striking out nine batters. However, both of those runs led to a blown save, which the Braves do not need.

At this point in the season, every game is critical. That is particularly the case with the Braves as the Phillies just will not go away. They need to be in the best position to win at every possible point, and that includes having the right pieces in the right spot.

While Smith has been better, it is not clear that he is the best option. However, only two other pitchers on the Braves have notched a save this season, with Sean Newcomb and Chris Martin recording one save each. The ninth inning will remain Smith’s no matter what.

That decision, or lack thereof, could make the difference. If Smith begins to struggle again, no one else will be taking over that role. And, if the Phillies keep winning, those issues could make a major difference in the Braves’ postseason hopes.

Will Smith has been shaky in his past 20 appearances. The Atlanta Braves may not have another choice but to ride him out for the rest of the year.