Alright, Braves fans, let’s talk bullpen—and not the kind of talk that ends in optimism. No, we’re talking about Rafael Montero. You know, the guy Atlanta was hoping would turn back the clock to his Astros heyday and become a key depth piece? Well, he’s turned back something so far, but it sure isn’t time.
Twelve appearances. That’s the sample size. And while the surface stats don’t immediately scream disaster—5 earned runs in 9.1 innings—it’s when you dig just a touch deeper that the picture really gets murky.
The number that jumps off the page like a hanging curveball? Eleven walks. That’s more than a walk per inning. And folks, for a reliever? That’s not just concerning, that’s unusable.
When Walks Become Warnings
It’s not like he’s getting stretched out, either. Montero hasn’t thrown more than a single inning in any of those outings. So what you’re left with is a bullpen arm who can’t go deep and can’t find the zone. And it’s not just a rough stretch—this has been a trend.
In eight of his 12 appearances, he’s issued at least one free pass. If there’s one job requirement for a reliever, it’s throwing strikes when it counts. Montero hasn’t done that.
A Logjam of Better Options
Now, let’s zoom out and take a look at what’s waiting in Triple-A. The Braves aren’t out of options—they’re actually sitting on a treasure trove of potential reinforcements. Davis Daniel can give you innings. Dylan Dodd offers a lefty presence. Austin Cox flashed competence with Kansas City in 2023.
And Hurston Waldrep? The upside is off the charts. All of these guys are on the 40-man roster and ready for a shot. So why cling to the one guy whose biggest contribution so far has been… suspense?
Time For the Braves to Cut and Run
Sure, the Braves owe Montero some cash. Just under $3 million. But at what point does stubbornness cost more than the salary? Carrying an arm you can’t trust in any pressure situation—especially when you’re trying to claw your way above .500—is a recipe for avoidable disaster.
The Astros weren’t just being generous when they included cash in that deal. They saw what Atlanta is seeing now: the relief they once believed in is no longer there.
It wasn’t a terrible bet by Anthopoulos. Every front office takes a few chances. But the moment for seeing it through has passed. If Atlanta wants to start winning again, it’s time to stop hoping for the past and start building a bullpen that can handle the present.
