The list of streaky performances from the bullpen is extensive and has been a headache for everyone involved, but is there an X-factor that could help the Atlanta Braves bullpen down the stretch? Can Jacob Webb be the X-factor that the Atlanta Braves desperately need? Jesse Chavez looked like he could be an option with a 1.23 ERA in his first 14.2 innings. Then, Minter was promptly shelled for 2 earned runs in 0.1 innings against Colorado on September 4th.Ĭhris Martin is now a liability with it being pretty obvious that he was using foreign substance, which is a different story for a different day. He was called back up and had 8 straight appearances where he did not give up a run, while striking out 15 in only 9 innings. Minter looked to have figured things out when he was sent down to AAA. There are multiple other similar examples in the bullpen as well. 143 batting average of balls in play (BABIP) during that streak has caught up with him, as Matzek has given up 6 runs in his past 4 games. For example Tyler Matzek, who looked like he could be the anchor for this bullpen with a streak of 20 games from July 11th through August 29th gave up 0 earned runs.
Of course, Brian Snitker has made some mistakes with bullpen management, but there have also been cases where it would not have mattered who he put out there.
