Braves' Reynaldo Lopez-Didier Fuentes bullpen dilemma could cost Atlanta games until resolved
The Atlanta Braves, despite being one of the best teams in baseball, are facing bullpen challenges due to the use of Reynaldo López and Didier Fuentes as long relievers. Both pitchers were originally starters, and their dual roles create complications in managing bullpen depth. This dilemma could cost the Braves games if not resolved effectively.
- ▪The Braves have moved Reynaldo López from the starting rotation to the bullpen due to delivery issues.
- ▪Didier Fuentes, a former minor league starter, is now used in relief but remains a candidate for spot starts.
- ▪Using both López and Fuentes as long relievers limits bullpen flexibility and may leave the team short-handed in close games.
- ▪Braves manager Walt Weiss views López as a starter and expects him to return to that role when healthy.
- ▪Beat writer Mark Bowman notes that carrying both pitchers in the bullpen simultaneously creates logistical challenges.
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