The Atlanta Braves continue to refuse to admit the glaring problem that closer Raisel Iglesias is. Whether it is the slider, as Brian Snitker has suggested, or simply a bad season from the typically dominating reliever, a change has to be made. Iglesias cost the team a valuable game against San Diego, helping the franchise slip back below .500. After temporarily gaining a winning record, the team has regressed despite having back its stars and a fully healthy roster.
Jurickson Profar is the only missing piece for a team whose talent is far better than the record suggests. A big piece of this has been an inability to count on Iglesias during late-inning situations. The closer already has picked up four losses on the season and sports an ERA well north of five. Still, the Braves appear content to trust the failing reliever to trot out in give the team what is a coin flip's chance of blowing a game.
The Atlanta Braves Cannot Continue to Ignore the Glaring Issue Raisel Iglesias Has Become
Brian Snitker's loyalty to his players is admirable, but at times costs the team games. This is exactly what is happening with Iglesias. It is impossible to ignore that it is well past time for the closer to be demoted to a lesser role. While Atlanta lacks a more proven option, it is difficult to believe any of Atlanta's replacement options can't improve upon what Iglesias is offering.
If the struggles continue through the next month of the season, it seems impossible for even Brian Snitker not to make a change. While the team should already be attempting a switch, it appears the closer is going to continue to garner unearned high-leverage chances.
The Braves willingly costing the team games as they attempt to climb back into the postseason race is a bit surprising. As great as Iglesias has been, he has already surpassed last year's homers given up, as well as doubling his losses. Add in the fact that the reliever's ERA is well over double, and how big of an issue it has been for Atlanta cannot continue to be ignored. Even Brian Snitker's patience has to be running out as Iglesias continues to cost the franchise.