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Atlanta Braves could send three dominant relievers to the All-Star Game
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- Atlanta Braves could send three dominant relievers to the All-Star Game
Atlanta Braves could send three dominant relievers to the All-Star Game originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Atlanta Braves have built one of baseball's deepest bullpens, and there is a legitimate chance they could send three relievers to the All-Star Game this summer. With the National League packed with elite arms, Atlanta's late-inning trio of Raisel Iglesias , Robert Suarez and Dylan Lee has still managed to stand out through the first two months of the season.
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Iglesias continues to prove why he remains one of the most dependable closers in baseball. The veteran right-hander has converted each of his first eight save opportunities while holding opponents scoreless over 15 2/3 innings. His dominance has stabilized the back end of Atlanta's bullpen and helped the Braves maintain one of the best records in the league. Iglesias is carrying a microscopic WHIP along with his perfect save record, further strengthening his All-Star resume.
Braves bullpen dominance is legit
Suarez may be the most surprising name of the group, but his performance has been impossible to ignore. Through his first 22 appearances, the hard-throwing reliever owns a 0.81 ERA, ranking among the top National League bullpen arms. His ability to miss bats and consistently shut down rallies has turned him into one of Atlanta's most valuable offseason additions. Several Braves observers already view him as the organization's future closer once Iglesias eventually moves on.
Then there is Lee, the steady left-hander who has quietly become one of the league's elite setup men. Lee currently sports a 1.11 ERA, placing him fifth among NL relievers. The only pitchers ahead of him are Mason Miller , Suarez, Jason Adam and Didier Fuentes . That is elite company for a pitcher who rarely receives national attention.
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If Fuentes continues his breakout season, Atlanta could even generate discussion about a fourth bullpen All-Star candidate. For now, though, Iglesias, Suarez and Lee have already pitched well enough to deserve serious consideration.
