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Five Atlanta Braves Pitchers Who Can Be a Difference Maker

By W. M. Lawson

May 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game 5-0. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
May 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O'Flaherty (34) pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game 5-0. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves enter 2017 with expectations of winning. To do that, though, one, or more, of these five pitchers need to have a breakout year.

2. RP- Eric O’Flaherty (L)

eric o'flaherty
May 22, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Eric O’Flaherty (34) pitches during the sixth inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won the game 5-0. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of arm issues, it wasn’t long ago that Eric O’Flaherty was absolutely dominant. In 2011, O’Flaherty was the 1st in a deadly trio of relievers for the Braves (the others were Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel). In fact, his ERA with the Braves in 2011 and 2012 was .98 and 1.73, respectively. In May of 2013, O’Flaherty developed elbow issues and eventually had “Tommy John”.

He’s struggled since then to regain form, but this spring he has shown signs of his former self. In 11.2 innings pitched, he has a 2.31 ERA (not great), but also 16 strikeouts. That last part is pretty good. In his most recent outings, he’s flashed control on the outside of the plate and location down and in.

If O’Flaherty can provide quality middle to late relief, it will shore up some of the bullpen questions, and re-stake his claim to a permanent spot in relief rotation.

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