The Atlanta Braves Bullpen Has Been Elite

This Braves bullpen may be better than you thought

The Atlanta Braves are on pace to have a near franchise-best run differential, stretching back to 1897 (that is not a typo) when they were the Boston Beaneaters.

Of course, the offense is a large reason why, leading the league in numerous categories and every single hitter with at least 200 plate appearances being at least league average or better in terms of adjusted OPS (OPS+).

However, the offense is not the only reason why the Braves have been successful: The Bullpen has been elite. Of course, it is human nature to be nervous when a team goes to their bullpen because it is generally a more high leverage situation than earlier in the game.

That being said, if someone is nervous about this Braves bullpen, there is nothing wrong with that. However, odds are they would also be nervous about any bullpen considering how well the Braves bullpen has performed in comparison to other bullpens.

Let’s look at some interesting numbers that will help boost confidence in this bullpen, especially as of late.

Currently, the Braves bullpen as a unit has the best ERA in the NL on the season with a 3.44. They are 3rd in MLB behind the Yankees and Mariners.

ERA is a rate stat (like batting average), meaning that there could be some relief units that could have provided more or less value based on amount of usage and other variables. Not to mention, ERA does not factor in a good or bad defense behind you. If we look at Wins Above Replacement (WAR), which is an accumulative stat (like total HRs), we can see that the Braves have been still been top tier on the year.

With 5.0 WAR, the Braves bullpen is tied for 3rd in MLB with the Mariners, and 2nd in the NL behind the Giants.

If you look at fielding independent pitching (FIP), which helps eliminate variances due to defense, the Braves have the best in the NL (3.64) and 3rd best in MLB behind the Orioles and Mariners.

The Braves have dealt with some injuries with Nick Anderson, Dylan Lee, Eric Chavez, etc. being out. We saw a bit of a drop off, but since the trade deadline, the Braves are right back where they left off.

Since the trade deadline, the Braves’ bullpen has been elite:

· ERA – 1.92, tied 2nd in MLB and best in NL

· FIP – 3.49, 3rd in MLB, best in NL

· WAR – 0.6, 7th in MLB, 3rd in NL

What we see here is two-fold. First, when on the field, they have been elite. Second, the WAR in contrast to the ERA and FIP shows that they have not had to be utilized as often, which is a good sign for the rotation.

Let’s look at some personal accolades of what has happened lately

Joe Jiménez has quietly been one of the best relievers in MLB. In his last 26 appearances, he has an ERA of 1.37

A.J Minter has an ERA over his last 28 appearances, and has once again become a force in the 8th inning. It is safe to say, he needs to stay there.

Raisel Iglesias struggled early in the year, coming off of an injury and not being able to have a spring training to work on shaking off the rust. However, over his last 18 appearances he has converted 100.0 percent of his save opportunities with a pristine 1.06 ERA.

Kirby Yates has struggled at times, but as of late he has done a great job limiting hits. Since May 2nd he has a 2.58 ERA and is limiting hitters to a slash line of .162/.286/.315.

Pierce Johnson has been unstoppable since coming over to the Braves. Since joining the team, in ten games and 10.1 IP, he has a 0.00 ERA and a 1.61 FIP with hitters hitting .194/.256/.250 against him.

Needless to say, this bullpen deserves some love. Even if they regress some, they would still be top tier. This is the type of bullpen that can take you far in the postseason. Here is to hoping they can continue their success.  

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