A.J. Minter has been struggling basically all season long, and after his first appearance of the season Raisel Iglesias has struggled as well, including a blown save yesterday afternoon. Minter has a 8.05 ERA and Iglesias has a 10.80 ERA, and if that isn’t explanation enough, earlier today The Morning Shift explains why the backend of the Braves bullpen is now a real concern.
With your setup guy and closer both struggling, Mike Johnson says he doesn’t know who the Braves could turn to, and Beau Morgan responds by saying “Well there’s really no where you can turn at this point in the season. You just need these guys to get it in gear.”
Beau also makes it clear that the Braves middle relief pitchers haven’t been the ones struggling, and it’s just been the late inning guys. “Your middle relief hasn’t been bad. It’s been your backend, so tighten up the backend, and this team can right the ship.” Morgan said.
Minter and Iglesias have to turn things around quickly because the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Braves. The Braves start a three game series against the Texas Rangers tonight who have the third best record in the American League and are tied with the Braves for the fourth best record in all of baseball.