Braves: 3 glaring roster holes keeping Atlanta from World Series contention

The Braves could use a right-handed middle reliever they can trust

A decision the team probably wishes they could redo, the Braves ran into trouble with their bullpen because of Luke Jackson’s season-ending injury. Jackson was a huge part of their success in 2021. They’re already missing him this year.

The team was able to snag free agent Collin McHugh whose shaky start to the year could have them wishing they had at least one other trusted righty reliever. Kenley Jansen is the closer which gives the club a whole bunch of terrific lefties to get the ball to him. They’ll have to hope splits don’t matter when Tyler Matzek, A.J. Minter, or Will Smith has to face a slew of righties late in the game.

The Braves are entrusting veteran Darren O’Day with a big pair of cleats to fill. Tyler Thornburg will also get an opportunity to see some major innings with the absence of Jackson. Fortunately, a right-handed reliever is the easier of the two to find. The Braves will need someone to step up in the meantime. A demotion for someone from the rotation may even be one option for them to consider.

So far, the bullpen hasn’t killed the Braves. It’s their lack of hitting hurt more. Give it enough time, hole in the bullpen can ruin even the best of team’s chances at winning a championship.