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An Unconventional Solution For Braves Closer Issues

By Deke Lloyd

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Manager Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves looks on as the Braves take batting practice prior to the start of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Manager Brian Snitker of the Atlanta Braves looks on as the Braves take batting practice prior to the start of Game Four of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Braves are clicking on all cylinders at the moment, winners of 9 of the last ten games. The one loss, however, was another blown save from Luke Jackson. The Braves can no longer trot Jackson out with confidence anymore. Is there an answer on the roster already?

Luke Jackson is not all to blame. Injury and poor performance are what thrust Jackson into this closer role, a role that Jackson has never been. In 2018, Jackson pitched 5 innings in the 9th inning, recording only one save. Jackson pitched 33 of his 40 innings in every other inning other than the 9th. However, with Vizcaino going down with a season-ending injury before the season could even start, then A.J. Minter pitching himself into an ERA over 9, Jackson was the guy Brian Snitker has turned to for closing duties. And Luke Jackson has been decent this season, all things considered. That said, with his 6th blown save on Saturday, the Braves have to make changes now.

The Braves have the prospects and major league level players to deal for bullpen arms, and I do think they will eventually pull the trigger on a move to get some help, but for now, the Braves will have to find a solution from within. A.J. Minter looked good in AAA and is now back with the team. He’s the closest thing to a closer in the bullpen. Anthony Swarzek, a midseason acquisition, is another option but is another guy is not a closer by trade. Those are the two best options for the Braves, but there could be another option on the Braves roster.

Mike Foltynewicz had a good start on Sunday. Folty pitched 6 innings, giving up 1 earned run and 4 hits. A good start was much needed for Folty, who has been very up and down this season, his record at 2-5. I don’t think the Braves would do it but would moving Folty to the closer role work? It would be a big change for a pitcher who has been a starter his entire Braves career, but a move that could make sense for the Braves the player. Folty has the ability to be a closer, he’s the hardest thrower on this roster. Folty also has had trouble with consistency this season so would it help to focus on 1 inning rather than trying to pitch 6 good innings? In 2018, Foltynewicz pitched two complete games, one of those a shutout. The 2019 version of Mike Foltynewicz doesn’t even resemble that kind of pitcher. Maybe, for a little while, a new role would help Folty get right again.

With all that said, I don’t think the Braves have any intention to move Mike Foltynewicz to the bullpen, similarly to what the did to Sean Newcomb, but a move to the bullpen doesn’t mean he can’t start again. It’s an idea, and partial dream, that most likely won’t ever come to fruition. The Braves are more likely to make a trade before moving a starter to the closer role. Whatever the Braves decide to do, a move must be made. With the Mets in Atlanta this week, hopefully, the Braves will start to experiment with new options at closer.

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