The Atlanta Braves bullpen looks to be in rough shape, and Tuesday night against the Cardinals was one of those games that support the claim. You know, the kind where even the seventh-inning stretch feels more like a cry for help.
The Braves went with a bullpen game, rolled the dice, and got snake eyes. Again. If you’ve been watching this team limp through late innings this season, you probably saw some moves coming.
The Bullpen Blues
Let’s not mince words here: this bullpen has issues. Raisel Iglesias is still theoretically the guy, and yeah, he’ll probably find his footing again—but right now?
There are a lot of shrugs happening in the late innings. And it’s not just him. Atlanta gives serious runs to guys who would be mop-up men on contending teams. That’s not just a problem; it’s an identity crisis.
This isn’t a “we’re rebuilding, let the kids play” scenario. This is a team with postseason ambitions acting like it’s spring training every time the starter exits before the seventh.
Here Comes Chavez Again
Atlanta went back to the well—and again summoned Jesse Chavez from the baseball netherworld. This guy has more call-ups than your favorite pizza place. And look, it’s kind of endearing at this point. The man has turned “washed up” into an art form that occasionally still works. He’s basically bullpen comfort food.
Nobody’s betting on him to anchor the pen, but if anyone can inexplicably toss three shutout innings after six months off and a sandwich break, it’s Jesse.
The Braves made room by sending Nathan Wiles back to Gwinnett after his tough MLB debut. Sure, the guy got rocked, but it’s a long road, and there’s still some promise.
As for Nacho Alvarez Jr.? That was an unfortunate blow. Moving him to the 60-day IL all but guarantees we won’t see him in a Braves uniform until summer. The wrist issue was supposed to be minor, but it turned out not so much. And with the Braves’ shortstop depth already feeling questionable, that’s not ideal.
Bigger Picture For The Braves
Here’s the thing: the Braves know their bullpen is shaky. They just haven’t done nearly enough to fix it. Pulling Chavez back up is a hopeful move at best. And fans are right to be frustrated. This is a club with the talent to go deep in October, but you can’t pitch relievers like it’s 2019 and expect 2025 results.
So what now? Maybe Jesse Chavez is lightning in a bottle. Again. Or maybe Atlanta will pick up the phone and find a real arm before another one of these bullpen nights becomes a postseason nightmare.
