The Atlanta Braves came out swinging following the All-Star Break, notching a 15-6 record in their 21 games since and have gained a comfortable 8.5 game lead in the National League East division.
Despite the rest of the team rolling, they have one player who has clearly struggled in the past couple of weeks.
That player being right-handed pitcher and Braves' closer, Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias had a lights-out start to the 2026 season, allowing only two earned runs in his first 17 games, but things have heavily turned around since then.
Since July 1st, the 36-year-old has allowed 10 earned runs in 14 1/3 innings pitched, a 6.28 ERA in his last 15 games.
This became even more apparent following Friday night's game against the New York Yankees where Iglesias blew a save in the ninth inning. He allowed two runs for the Yankees to tie the games and ultimately walk-it-off in extras.
This rough stretch is a rarity for the All-Star, as he has been electric since joining the Braves in 2022.
On the season, Iglesias posts a 3.02 ERA (his second-highest mark since joining the team) with 46 strikeouts, 12 walks and 24 saves in 41 2/3 innings.
Iglesias has been used very often this year, especially due to the injuries to the rest of the pitching staff.
Most notably offseason acquisition and set-up man Robert Suárez.
Suárez has been out for Atlanta since June 23 with right-forearm tightness. This big missing piece in the bullpen is causing Iglesias to pitch in almost every high-leverage situation.
It may be time for the Braves to make a change at the closer spot for right now until Iglesias can return to form, as well as a return from Suárez.
