Braves fans are still reeling after a tough 2-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, which dropped Atlanta to 25-28 on the season and left them trailing the division leaders by 9.5 games. While the team’s offensive woes have been heavily scrutinized, another key issue has flown under the radar — their bullpen, especially in late-game situations.
Closer Raisel Iglesias has had a rough year but has the track record to suggest a rebound is possible. The bigger concern lies in the innings leading up to him. Daysbel Hernandez has recently been used as the team’s primary set-up man and came into Tuesday’s game with an impressive 1.64 ERA. However, his performance in that game showed why he may not be suited for high-pressure roles.
Hernandez quickly recorded two outs before allowing four straight base runners, including two via walks, turning a 1-0 game into a 2-0 deficit. While the Braves likely wouldn’t have come back even if the score remained closer, the added run still hurt — and the way it happened raised red flags.
The issue isn’t just the run allowed, but how it happened. Despite a low ERA, Hernandez’s underlying numbers suggest trouble. His 3.66 FIP points to some good fortune, and opponents’ .200 BABIP is well below league average, indicating luck has played a role in his results. Combine that with a walk rate in the first percentile (16.3%) and 16 walks in just 23 innings, and it’s clear control is a major problem.
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Even if his ability to limit hard contact continues, the high walk rate is unsustainable. Hernandez doesn’t offset this flaw with elite strikeout ability either, with a strikeout rate in just the 34th percentile (19.6%).
A reliever who walks too many and doesn’t generate enough whiffs is tough to rely on in key moments. While Hernandez has value and should remain in the bullpen, he’s not the ideal late-inning option. Unless a better internal choice emerges soon, GM Alex Anthopoulos may need to look outside the organization for a more dependable setup arm.
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