When the Atlanta Braves said goodbye to Enyel De Los Santos and Rafael Montero, fans were excited. Both were part of a bullpen that was unraveling fast. So when De Los Santos was designated for assignment and Montero was somehow traded, it felt like a cleanup mission complete.
But fast-forward just a few weeks, and the Braves’ decision is starting to look a lot more complicated.
From Braves DFA to Dominance
Let’s start with Enyel De Los Santos. This guy couldn’t find consistency in Atlanta, getting knocked around more often than not. He’d bounced around several teams, and it seemed the Braves were just the latest to figure out he wasn’t the answer.
But Houston took a chance — and right now, they’re reaping the benefits.
In 14 appearances with the Astros, De Los Santos has posted a 1.29 ERA and a 3.64 FIP. That’s not just a rebound — that’s production the Braves desperately could’ve used in a bullpen that’s still walking the tightrope in high-leverage spots. While Atlanta was cleaning house, Houston found a hidden gem.
Montero Finds His Groove in Detroit
Now to Rafael Montero, whose Braves tenure was a disaster from the jump. After being torched in Houston, he arrived in Atlanta with a 5.50 ERA in 36 appearances and quickly earned the wrath of Braves Country. His departure wasn’t just expected; it was begged for.
But in Detroit? Different story.
Montero has logged a 2.40 ERA and a 4.41 FIP in 12 outings with the Tigers. Sure, he’s still handing out free passes like candy on Halloween, but the damage? Minimal so far. That alone is a massive upgrade over his Atlanta numbers.
What’s Going On in Atlanta?
Here’s the problem: when both of your discarded bullpen arms go on to thrive elsewhere, it raises a lot more than eyebrows — it raises serious questions. Why can’t the Braves squeeze this kind of performance out of guys other teams seem to “fix” instantly?
Is there a coaching gap? A scouting issue? A philosophical flaw in how the Braves handle midseason bullpen reinforcements? Even GM Alex Anthopoulos — long hailed as a deadline genius — isn’t above scrutiny on this one. Has he lost his touch with the bargain-bin arms?
Whatever the issue, the Braves better figure it out and fast. Every time De Los Santos holds it down in Houston or Montero in Detroit, it’s a reminder that Atlanta’s pitching puzzle might be missing more than just a few pieces.
