The Atlanta Braves appeared to be turning the corner in Thursday afternoon's finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The offense finally came to life, and Atlanta jumped out to a seven-run lead. Despite Grant Holmes hitting a bump in the road, the Braves bullpen coasted to the game's final frame, maintaining a six-run lead. In many ways, it felt like a defining moment for a team that badly needed a tone-setting win as they began a west-coast road trip.
While it would prove to be a defining moment, it would be for all the wrong reasons. Long reliever Scott Blewett hit a bit of trouble in the game's final frame, giving up three runs to make it a 10-7 game while only finding one out. Still, the Braves had reason to feel great about the position they were in, up three, needing only two outs. Enter Raisel Iglesias and the continually confounding decision-making of manager Brian Snitker. It's as if the veteran manager is actively trying to lose games by trotting the failing closer out despite what the numbers are screaming.
Brian Snitker Continues to Cost the Braves Games Trusting Atlanta's Failing Closer
Heading into the game, Iglesias had an ERA of 5.79 and had just given up a run the night before. It isn't a stretch to say the Braves had a better chance of winning this game, picking a name out of a hat of the remaining relievers. Yes, the bullpen was taxed after Grant Holmes' early exit, however, there was no shortage of remaining choices. Snitker willfully went back to his closer despite the knowledge that doing so has cost the Braves game after game.
This continual decision has long surpassed stubborn loyalty and is quickly bridging into willful stupidity. Why the Braves would turn to the struggling Iglesias in a close game the team so desperately needs is beyond explanation. No matter Snitker's postgame explanation, there is no excuse for continuing to feature a closer who has now allowed runs in 8 of his last 11 outings and sports a 6.75 ERA.
Not only should the team move on from Iglesias it is time to seriously consider making a change at the manager position. Atlanta is now seven games below .500 and finds itself in the exact miserable position where the team started the season. Someone must be held accountable for this failure, and even with Snitker's accomplishments, there is no excuse for the manager's recent decisions. No question, Thursday's loss was the final straw for Iglesias and should push Snitker's job into serious question.