Atlanta Braves: Projected 2016 Bullpen
May 1, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves bullpen coach
Eddie Perez(12) tosses the baseball around prior to a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Braves bullpen has been a proverbial disaster during the 2015 season, ranking 24th out of 30 teams in the majors with a 4.28 ERA. The Braves have also seen 29 different pitchers during the 2015 season, a new franchise record.
The Atlanta Braves relief corps has also the 27th worst batting average (BAA) against this season, with opposing players hitting .263 against Atlanta relievers. The bullpen has lost 25 games, demonstrating its incompetence when given a lead. The Atlanta Braves would probably have ten or more wins right now if it were not for the bullpen’s failure to secure a victory.
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The bullpen has also gone through a significant makeover thus far this season, especially after closer Jason Grilli was lost to a torn ACL in early July at Coors Field. Grilli was having an excellent season, posting an ERA of 2.94 before succumbing to the injury. The Atlanta Braves also traded away two of their best relievers to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade in late July: Jim Johnson and Luis Avilan.
John Hart has added veterans to fill the void left by Avilan and Johnson, namely Jason Frasor who is now on the DL, Ross Detwiler, Edwin Jackson and fan favorite Peter Moylan. Since these additions to the relief corps, the Atlanta Braves bullpen has seemingly settled down, having not allowed a run in its past three games.
Because the Atlanta Braves bullpen has been such a disaster thus far this season, there is definitely some cause for concern looking ahead to 2016. Though John Hart has a predilection for making moves, it is hard to project external options for the Atlanta Braves relief corps. Given the current internal options that exist for the Braves going into next season, here is a projected look at what the Bullpen may resemble in 2016.
Next: Middle Relief