The Atlanta Braves are facing a challenging start to their 2025 season, with an early record of 9-13, placing them tied for last in the NL East. After losing their first seven games, the Braves have shown some signs of improvement, recently winning four straight games. Their most recent victory came against the St. Louis Cardinals, a 7-6 win on Monday night. However, despite this positive stretch, the team’s performance has not inspired confidence, especially considering their preseason expectations of contending for a World Series title.
One of the key issues the Braves are grappling with is a depleted rotation due to injuries. Both Reynaldo López and Spencer Strider are currently sidelined, putting additional strain on the bullpen. While the offense has started to pick up, the pitching staff—particularly the bullpen—has been a major point of concern. The lack of depth in the starting rotation has made it even more important for the bullpen to perform reliably, but so far, that has not been the case.
The bullpen’s struggles were on full display in Monday’s game, despite the win. Typically reliable closer Raisel Iglesias allowed three runs in the ninth inning, turning what had been a comfortable lead into a nail-biter. This has been a recurring issue for the Braves, as their bullpen has struggled to hold leads and close out games consistently. Given the team’s lack of starting pitching depth, they need the bullpen to step up and deliver in critical moments, but the inconsistency has been worrisome.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces growing pressure to address these bullpen issues. With the Braves still having high hopes for the season, it may be time for the front office to make a bold move, whether through a trade or bringing in fresh talent. The bullpen has been a weak spot since Opening Day, and Anthopoulos may need to act quickly to prevent the situation from getting worse.
As the Braves continue to navigate the season, strengthening their bullpen will be crucial to any potential success. The team’s hopes of making a deep playoff run rest not only on the recovery of their injured pitchers but also on the ability of their bullpen to stabilize. With the pressure mounting, it’s clear that significant changes or improvements will be needed to meet the high expectations placed on this roster.
