The Atlanta Braves leapfrogged the New York Mets and now own the first spot in the NL East, with a two-game cushion and three left to play.
They did it in style, by sweeping their weekend series against Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt.
Since the start of June, the Braves have played at a 114-win pace, and are about to earn a first-round bye for the postseason.
Their rotation is rock-solid, with Max Fried, Charlie Morton, Kyle Wright, and the currently-injured Spencer Strider.
Their offense is extremely productive, too.
However, the unsung hero of the Braves’ heroic run has been the bullpen.
The unit was particularly nasty in September and October.
As the weather got cooler, the @Braves bullpen got 🔥🔥🔥#ForTheA pic.twitter.com/ZZEI9QL9Um
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 3, 2022
With a 1.55 ERA in September and October, the relievers have been the primary drivers of success behind the Braves’ current run that earned them first place in the East.
The Unit Has Been Stellar All Year Long
Bringing in Raisel Iglesias from the Los Angeles Angels was a star deadline move by the Braves.
The right-handed late-inning reliever has a minuscule 0.36 ERA in 25.1 innings with Atlanta.
A.J. Minter (2.09 ERA), Collin McHugh (2.63 ERA), Dylan Lee (2.15 ERA), Kenley Jansen (3.43 ERA), Jesse Chavez (2.09 ERA), Jackson Stephens (3.38 ERA) and other arms have been extremely valuable for the defending champs, who look more than ready to make another run at the World Series.
The Braves’ ability to identify and nurture talent is amazing, and this has become evident with their excellent bullpen.
At this moment, the Braves have no glaring weaknesses and look almost as strong as the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The playoffs in the National League should be extremely entertaining this year, with the Mets, the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Diego Padres, and potentially the Philadelphia Phillies all vying for the pennant.
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