This Raisel Iglesias situation for the Atlanta Braves is really complicating things for a team that typically dominates in the last few innings of games.
Let’s start with the obvious: Iglesias has not been himself this season. Not even close. His velocity’s dipped, and the nasty slider he used to wipe out hitters like clockwork? Yeah, it’s gone from “strikeout machine” to “home run derby contributor.” Five bombs off the slider this season alone—as many as the past five years combined.
You could argue he’s not your closer anymore, so who cares if he gives up a few? Well, here’s the kicker: when you’re playing in a league where every single inning counts—and when your offense isn’t exactly shelling out seven-run cushions nightly—every reliever is critical.
You’re not benching a backup infielder here. This is a bullpen piece in high-leverage innings. And the Braves bullpen? Lately, it’s not exactly the Great Wall of Atlanta.
No Easy Answers in the Braves Bullpen
Let’s be real: there’s no shutdown crew waiting in the wings. Aaron Bummer has moments where his sinker looks like it’s dancing, but command issues and inherited runners turning into earned runs keep fans on edge.
Pierce Johnson’s curveball is still a weapon, but the walk rate hovers just a little too high. And Enyel De Los Santos? There are some flashes, but they are not exactly confidence-inspiring when a one-run lead’s on the line.
Dylan Lee’s been the standout lately. He’s taken the ninth a few times, and the ERA proves he’s doing something right. But now you’ve created a new question: who gets the eighth? With games constantly tight and the offense not producing insurance runs, the eighth inning is no less important than the ninth.
Benching Iglesias Isn’t That Simple
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller says to bench him. And in a vacuum, sure—it makes sense. You put a struggling reliever in low-leverage spots and let him rebuild his confidence. But this isn’t spring training, and the Braves aren’t exactly swimming in depth. If you’re not rolling Iglesias out there in spots with a three-run cushion, then who? And how often?
It’s not like you can just release him. Sixteen million dollars doesn’t just disappear from a team sheet, especially when the bullpen looks like it’s barely keeping its head above water. He’s not pitching well—but he’s still on the roster. So, the team either uses him or carries dead weight.
The Final Straw Could Come Fast
If Iglesias gives up another back-breaking homer in a so-called “hold” situation, it might finally force the Braves’ hand. At some point, one blown lead too many turns a playoff-caliber season into a mid-summer flameout. And the Braves, for all their talent, are walking that tightrope now.
But here’s the rough truth: unless Atlanta finds a new arm to trust—or the offense starts spotting the bullpen bigger leads—Iglesias stays in the picture. Like it or not, the Braves are gambling every time they hand him the ball. And right now, that’s a bet they can’t afford to keep losing.
