Braves Country has had very few things to cheer about this year, the season from hell.
Their two best players — Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider — went down early with season-ending injuries, and over the course of the next few months, another half dozen All-Stars hit the IL. I’ve never quite seen a team, in any sport, hit by injuries like this.
Somehow, they’ve remained alive in the Wild Card race, mostly due to the best pitching staff in baseball. However, with their third straight loss last night, the glimmer of hope for a postseason berth is fading. If they are to reach October baseball, it’ll be on the arms of the staff, led by Chris Sale.
The offseason trade acquisition is in line to win his first Cy Young award and is challenging for the Triple Crown, but a star that hasn’t had nearly enough praise is Raisel Iglesias, the leader of the bullpen.
The veteran closer was Jim Bowden of The Athletic’s choice for the Braves’ most indispensable ‘under-the-radar’ player.
The Braves’ offense has absorbed tough blows this season, losing Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season and Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley for extensive time, which has made it even more crucial that they finish off opponents in close games. Enter closer Raisel Iglesias. He’s made a huge difference in those games and is one of the main reasons Atlanta is still in the race. Iglesias has converted 31 of 34 save opportunities with a 1.87 ERA and 0.718 WHIP. Opposing batters are hitting .150 against his changeup, .161 against his four-seamer, .158 against his slider and .143 against his sinker. He ranks in the 96th percentile in hard-hit rate and barrel percentage and in the 99th percentile in chase rate.
President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos: “Raisel has been the anchor of our bullpen this season. He has had numerous multi-inning high-leverage appearances in addition to being a consummate professional and elite teammate.”
He doesn’t get enough praise, but Iglesias is certainly not an under-the-radar player for the Braves. He’s the damn closer, and one of the best ones in baseball this season.
More than anything, I think this illustrates the Braves’ injury issues. With a fully healthy club, this award would’ve gone to someone like Michael Harris II or Travis d’Arnaud, who don’t garner as much attention as the Acuna’s, Riley’s and Fried’s.
Raisel Iglesias is indispensable because he’s literally the team’s best reliever. Good job, Bowden.
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Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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