With a huge lead, the Atlanta Braves turned to closer Raisel Iglesias, with the veteran reliever needing to work an inning. It is impossible to put Iglesias in a better position to right the ship with Philly understanding the game is over in the last inning of a doubleheader. Still, Iglesias was squared up, giving up an earned run and needing another fantastic catch from Michael Harris to close out the Atlanta win.
It allowed the Braves to salvage the season finale in dominating fashion, while still leaving room for concern. AJ Smith-Shawver suffered a serious injury in game one, and Atlanta watched in game two as the team was given a reason to lose all trust in its closer. The one issue for the franchise remains a complete lack of an obvious answer to replace the struggling veteran.
The Atlanta Braves Have Zero Reasons to Continue Trusting an Imploding Raisel Iglesias
With Pierce Johnson and Daysbel Hernandez both going through struggles of their own, it leaves the team considering elevating a minor league option. A more likely path is looking at the trade market and attempting to demote Iglesias into a setup role.
The hope is that a role with less pressure allows Iglesias to rediscover his form. Regardless of how they opt to replace the veteran, it is clear the team must pivot. Iglesias now has an ERA of 5.91 and only 8 saves as we enter June.
What is more alarming than these numbers is how often hard contact is given up, whether or not it results in an out. Batters are seeing Iglesias and squaring up the veteran, no matter what pitch sequence or plan of attack Iglesias is utilizing. It is so alarmingly drastic that it is time to consider whether or not the pitcher has a tell.
Tipping his pitches would go a long way in explaining the closer going from one of the league's most dominating arms to his current state. No matter the reasoning, the Braves are going to need to heavily evaluate what has caused the regression and make notable changes. It does help matters that Iglesias is in the final year of his deal, allowing the team to easily make a change and move on from the once-dominant closer.