If you’re a Braves fan, pour that third cup of coffee—or maybe something stronger—because Atlanta’s bullpen just served up one of the most crushing losses of the season, and heads are already rolling.
The recent 11-10 collapse against the Arizona Diamondbacks wasn’t just ugly—it was historic. The Braves blew a six-run lead in the ninth inning, marking the kind of meltdown that lingers in the clubhouse and lives rent-free in fan nightmares. And now the bullpen’s getting a shakeup that’s equal parts necessary and nostalgic.
The Blewett Breakdown
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Scott Blewett. Yes, the jokes wrote themselves on social media—Blewett blew it—and while it feels harsh, it wasn’t totally off base. Atlanta handed him a 9-3 lead in the eighth. He gave up a run, but okay, still manageable.
Then, in the ninth? Total unraveling. After striking out the first batter, Blewett allowed four straight baserunners, and with the score suddenly 10-7, Raisel Iglesias came in to finish the job only to give up four more.
Now Blewett, who had actually been quietly solid this season with a sub-3.00 ERA and a ground-ball rate over 58%, finds himself designated for assignment. That’s what happens when you’re out of options, and the team needs a roster spot fast.
The Braves will have a few days to see if anyone bites on a trade, but Blewett’s DFA status is more a product of bad timing than bad performance.
Enter the Fireman: Kimbrel Returns
The move to replace Blewett isn’t just about plugging a hole—it’s about bringing back a franchise legend. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta’s all-time saves leader, is back in a Braves uniform for the first time since 2015. And let’s be honest—this feels like a little bit of bullpen therapy for the fanbase.
The 37-year-old might not be the high-octane closer of yesteryear. Still, with 15 solid outings in Triple-A this year, he’s got enough left in the tank to give this group a shot of stability, experience, and, hopefully, results.
Kimbrel doesn’t just bring an arm. He brings a presence. This bullpen has been rattled lately, and inserting someone with 400+ career saves into that environment could be exactly the kind of jolt the Braves need.
More Moves and More Questions
Joining Kimbrel on the call-up is lefty Dylan Dodd, who was recalled to reinforce a taxed bullpen. He’s already made a couple of appearances this year and could play a swingman role while the Braves reassess their late-inning options.
Meanwhile, Daysbel Hernández is headed to the 15-day IL after leaving yesterday’s game in clear discomfort. No official diagnosis yet, but finger numbness was mentioned—never a good sign for a pitcher. His absence leaves another hole to fill in an already shaky relief corps.
Where the Braves Stand Now
Atlanta’s in a rut, there is no denying that. The recent loss was their fourth in a row, and they’ve gone just 3-11 over their last 14 games. At 27-34, they’re not just slipping—they’re sliding out of relevance in the National League standings. The bullpen overhaul might be a spark. Or it might just be a start.
Either way, the Braves had to do something. And bringing back Kimbrel? That’s a move that says: we’re not giving up—we’re regrouping. Because this team still has too much talent to fade quietly into the summer.
