Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr's long-awaited return wasn't exactly the tone change the franchise was hoping for. The Braves are now 1-6 against the San Diego Padres and continue to get in their own way. Whether it was Sunday's error or the mind-numbingly bad Eli White base-running blunder on Friday, the clubhouse looked to be a team that was far too often the cause of their misfortune.
Eli White was brought in as a pinch-runner and had one of the worst base-running moments in franchise history. With the game-tying run on base, White would run to third on a base hit, only to take a stop sign as a reason to return to second to be thrown out by a mile. A play that should have set up extra innings turned into a defining moment in Atlanta's season. It was the perfect example of a team that cannot help but fumble away every opportunity to put the early-season slide in the rearview. However, White's mistake is covering up what the real issue has been for Atlanta.
Atlanta's Overachieving Bullpen Continues to be Let Down by Closer Raisel Iglesias
While the Braves' bullpen hasn't been as impressive in recent games, as a whole, the group has wildly overachieved. Atlanta opted not to invest in the unit and has still gotten far better results than expected. With the notable exception of Raisel Iglesias. This is what has gotten lost in the story of White's costly base-running error.
The game was tied before Iglesias stepped in, and yet again gave up a late run and a game that could have belonged to Atlanta. The closer would escape his previous outing without giving up a run thanks to the heroics of Michael Harris.
Still, manager Brian Snitker and the Atlanta coaching staff haven't given any indication of making a needed change. The closer with an ERA of 5.75 is continuing to be trusted with high-leverage situations after consistently showing a tendency to fumble the game away.
While Snitker's explanation of Iglesias struggling due to his slider usage is nice, it ignores the obvious. It doesn't matter whether or not Iglesias is struggling due to the regression of a single pitch. What matters are the losses piling up due to the closer's inability to put away games when they matter most. The continual trust in a piece that isn't working defies logic and should be the top story of the weekend.
Atlanta has a problem at the closer position and should be far more aggressive in trying to address it. Barring a shocking turnaround from the veteran, the Braves' current approach will continue to cost the organization much-needed wins as they continue to struggle to sustain a winning record.