The Atlanta Braves leaned heavily on their acclaimed bullpen en route to a World Series title last season. After adding some dependable arms to an already impressive group, many hailed it as one of the very best in baseball. The 2022 season, while still early, hasn't brought the same level of success that the unit enjoyed a year ago. Cory McCartney joined Sam & Greg to discuss the up and down start for the bullpen.
"I think it's still an elite bullpen, it's just not been as lights as you got used to seeing in the postseason, almost to its detriment," McCartney said.
In 108.1 innings pitched this season, the bullpen comes in at tenth in the Majors with a combined 3.24 ERA according to Fan Graphs. They also have 132 strikeouts, 38 walks, and 83 hits.
As a whole, the bullpen has been good, but there have been some difficult moments highlighted by the performance of Tyler Matzek on Friday night. After a commanding performance from Spencer Strider, Matzek struggled with his command and took the Braves out of the game.
"These are elevated numbers right for Tyler Matzek," McCartney said. "Not the guy that came into that Dodger series."
Long-term, however, this is still one of the better groups in baseball.
"I still think this is a really good bullpen," McCartney said. "You're missing a piece that meant a lot to them from a personality standpoint in Luke Jackson, but Spencer Strider has just been such a key weapon."
Last night showed what this group was capable of. Max Fried set the table with seven strong innings of work before handing it off to the bullpen. AJ Minter came on to set up the close, and Kenley Jansen slammed the door to secure a one-run victory for the Braves.
After converting the save for the Braves last night, new addition Jansen is a perfect eight for eight in save opportunities and his last 25 to boot, matching Milwaukee's Josh Hader for the longest active streak in the Major Leagues.
Despite its ups and downs, this remains an imposing unit that should be feared across the league.
