Conventional wisdom says that four games into the Major League Baseball season is far too soon to overreact to early performances. However, for the Atlanta Braves bullpen, the concerns reach back to last season. Despite winning the NL East, the bullpen was an obvious weak spot for the team in 2018. Most expected the front office to make some improvements this off-season, but the team entered 2019 with many of the same faces in the bullpen from 2018.<\/p>\n
The 2018 successes came despite a shaky bullpen. Statistically, Atlanta’s bullpen was\u00a0very average<\/a> last season. The team blew 20 save chances, converting only 67% of those opportunities. Primary closer Arodys Vizcaino<\/strong><\/a> was dependable last season, converting 16 of his 18 save chances. However, shoulder injuries limited the right-hander, putting him on the shelf on two separate occasions. The instability at the back of the bullpen had a ripple effect on the team.<\/p>\n During Vizcaino\u2019s absences, A.J. Minter<\/strong><\/a> was often called on to be the closer. He filled in admirably while tallying 15 saves. He may develop into a steady closer, but the youngster could benefit from more innings in lower leverage situations.<\/p>\n Several other pitchers were called on to close out games last season. Nine different pitchers earned a save throughout the season. Overall, the bullpen registered a 4.15 ERA with a 1.397 WHIP.<\/p>\n Most Braves fans assumed that a Craig Kimbrel<\/a><\/strong> reunion was in the works this off-season and that all the bullpen troubles would be solved. We are a week into the season and Kimbrel remains unsigned.<\/a>\u00a0His presence and experience would certainly go a long way to solidify the back end of the pitching staff, but the Braves are prepared to proceed without him.<\/p>\n Late in Spring Training, the Braves signed Josh Tomlin<\/a><\/strong> to a minor league deal. He is expected to contribute as a long reliever. Sam Freeman<\/strong><\/a> was designated for assignment, and Dan Winkler<\/strong><\/a> is slated to start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett. Wes Parsons<\/a><\/strong> made the big league opening day roster<\/a>, and Max Fried<\/strong><\/a> has been getting in some relief work in before he joins the rotation Thursday against the Cubs. The rest of the bullpen is made up of mostly the same faces from last season.<\/p>\n Max Fried vs. Yu Darvish in Thursday's series finale.@Braves<\/a> | #ChopOn<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bKfsvfct6Z<\/a><\/p>\n — Braves On FanDuel Sports Network (@FanDuelSNBraves) April 4, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nMostly Familiar Faces<\/h2>\n
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