For most of the season, the talk surrounding the Braves has been negative. Injuries have absolutely brutalized an Atlanta club that won 104 games a season ago. The team’s biggest stars underperforming has also been an issue, and when combined, you get one of the most inconsistent clubs in the game. Somehow, the Braves continue to hold onto the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. Mostly due to a tremendous starting rotation, but the bullpen has also been elite, led by one of the best closers in the game in Raisel Iglesias.
When the Braves acquired Iglesias a couple of years ago, it was a bit of a head-scratcher. They already had a proven closer in Kenley Jansen, and Iglesias wasn’t amid the best of seasons, posting a 4.04 over 32 appearances with the Angels. He was also owed quite a bit of money, which the Braves were willing to take on in full in order to lessen the prospect capital sent back in return.
It’s a move that’s quietly turned into one of the best acquisitions of Alex Anthopoulos’ tenure as general manager. Iglesias went on to post a 0.34 ERA over 28 appearances to finish the 2022 campaign as the club’s set-up man. He then returned to the closer role in 2023, saving 33 games in 37 opportunities with a 2.75 ERA, and he’s been even better for the Braves this season.
Iglesias has 25 saves in 27 tries to go along with a 1.54 ERA over 46.1 innings. The 34-year-old right-hander has not given up a run in 18 appearances. The last run he surrendered came back on June 16th against the Tampa Bay Rays, and his performances over the last two nights signaled to the rest of the organization, “It’s go time.”
On Monday, fresh off a devastating defeat at the hands of the Rockies, who came from six runs down in the eighth inning to win the series, Brian Snitker sent out Raisel Iglesias in the ninth with the game tied at zero. He quickly set down the Giants in order to send the game to extras, and after scoring a run in the tenth, Snitker went back to Iglesias for the tenth to help seal a much-needed win.
Typically, Snitker wouldn’t throw a reliever in back-to-back games after pitching two high-intensity innings the night before. The Braves manager even said he came into the game thinking Iglesias was unavailable, but the time for cautiousness has passed, and Snitker sent a clear message to his team by turning to his closer again, who prevented the runner from scoring from second for the second consecutive night, sealing yet another victory.
The 2024 campaign has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions. There have been few consistent aspects, but Brian Snitker has never had to worry about getting the last three outs of a ball game. Thanks to Raisel Iglesias, who just delivered the nine biggest outs of the Braves season.
—
Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.