The Atlanta Braves dropped the third game in their weekend series against the New York Mets despite scoring six ninth inning runs and putting heat on the New York bullpen. The 10-9 loss pointed to leaving Carlos Carrasco in the game to give up five runs in a game where you're down by two and clearly have the firepower to fight your way back. Manager Walt Weiss was in a difficult situation, having to cover extra innings due to an injury to Martin Perez that cut the veteran southpaw's afternoon short.
Atlanta's bullpen was out of viable options, with only their highest-leverage arms left in a stretch where you won't have a rest day until the All-Star Break. Carrasco was the right call based on the group that Weiss had to work with on Sunday afternoon. With that said, it is time to admit defeat with the aging right-hander and stop the endless cycle of demotions and re-signings followed by a quick outing that starts it all over again.
Carrasco has no business pitching innings in a close game for a team that is serious about winning. This was evidenced by the fact that in his last three outings, the long reliever is averaging well over a run per inning pitched. This isn't winning baseball, and on Sunday it cost the Braves a chance to complete a comeback that felt very much on the table.
Braves Can No Longer Afford to Roster Carlos Carrasco After Latest Outing
The wise decision is to demote Carrasco and work with one of the current pitching options to hand the Braves a more consistent relief option. We've seen JR Ritchie utilized out of the pen as well as Martin Perez. This isn't to say that either player is the answer, but pointing out that it is impossible for the Braves not to find a more capable answer.
It is a weakness to spend a roster spot on a piece that isn't going to offer competitive innings. Every time the veteran takes the mound, it is a shock to see Atlanta wiggle out of the inning without giving up multiple runs.
Even for a long relief option, Carrasco simply isn't capable enough, and this was evident in Sunday's loss. With that said, it is encouraging to see the Braves offense becoming a force once again and the franchise playing a far better brand of baseball as we head deeper into July.
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