Raisel Iglesias Leads Braves Closer to Postseason Berth with Stellar Performances

Akash Deep -

As the Atlanta Braves inch closer to securing a National League Wild Card berth, relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias has been a pivotal figure in their late-season surge. Iglesias, known for his dominance on the mound, has continued to impress with his recent performances.

Recent Successes

In a recent outing against the Kansas City Royals, Iglesias picked up the save in a 3-0 win, retiring the only batter he faced with just one pitch. This performance marked his fourth consecutive scoreless appearance after a brief stumble against the Dodgers on September 15. Iglesias has maintained a remarkable 1.75 ERA, 0.72 WHIP, and a 66:13 K:BB ratio across 67 innings this season, converting 33 of 36 save opportunities.

Iglesias has also shown his ability to handle high-pressure situations, such as when he took over in the ninth inning against the Royals after Max Fried walked Bobby Witt and allowed a Michael Massey double. With just one pitch, Iglesias induced a Salvador Perez flyout to secure the save.

Season Highlights

Throughout the season, Iglesias has been consistent in his role as the Braves' closer. He has notched several notable saves, including a perfect ninth inning against the Phillies where he struck out the side on just 12 pitches. This performance was part of a streak where Iglesias recorded 10 straight perfect appearances, a rare feat in modern baseball history.

Iglesias's contributions have been crucial as the Braves navigate a dramatic doubleheader to decide the final NL Wild Card spots. Despite being injury-riddled and written off earlier in the season, the Braves now stand on the verge of a postseason berth, thanks in part to Iglesias's reliability in the bullpen.

Braves' Postseason Push

The Braves' walk-off win over the Royals, which included a dramatic walk-off homer by Travis dArnaud, has brought them one step closer to clinching an NL Wild Card berth. Iglesias's performances have been a key factor in this push, as the team looks to overcome earlier setbacks and secure a spot in the playoffs.

As the season concludes, Iglesias's stellar performances underscore his importance to the Braves' bullpen and their postseason aspirations. His ability to deliver under pressure has been a significant asset, and his contributions will be crucial as the team navigates the final stretch of the season.