Three Star Report

The Braves' closer problem is hiding inside a healthy season line

Aug 14, 2026 · Braves

Raisel Iglesias has a 3.02 ERA and 24 saves. Every dashboard says the Braves’ ninth inning is fine.

The season line is averaging two different pitchers.

  • Through July 5, 28 appearances, 1.53 ERA over 29.1 innings
  • Since July 6, 16 appearances, 5.87 ERA over 15.1 innings
  • All 3 blown saves live in the second window

The part that isn’t luck is his walk rate, which has doubled since the split, 5.3 percent to 10.1.

One ERA, two pitchersIglesias 2026, split at July 61.53Through July 529.1 IP5.87Since July 615.1 IPAll 3 blown saves since July 6. Season ERA 3.02.One ERA, two pitchersIglesias 2026, split at July 6Through July 529.1 IP1.53Since July 615.1 IP5.87All 3 blown saves since July 6. Season ERA 3.02.
BRAVES

Why the season line hides it

ERA averages every inning equally. A bad six weeks disappears inside a good ten.

Arizona is in Atlanta tonight. If it’s close in the ninth, this is the number to have open.

Sources: MLB Stats API, pulled August 14, 2026.

Sources

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