Takeaways: Atlanta Braves Bullpen Lets One Walk Away
The Atlanta Braves let one slip away on Friday night as the bullpen struggled to throw strikes in a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.
After a good start from Jared Shuster and a clutch home run from Michael Harris II, the bullpen couldn't hold on and the offense couldn't quite mount the comeback.
Braves Bullpen Struggles
With Jared Shuster's pitch count rising, Brian Snitker pulled him in a 3-2 game in the sixth inning with one on and two outs.
The options aren't great down there, but Snitker went with Joe Jimenez, who had been throwing the ball well lately, to try and get a righty out and escape with the lead.
Instead, he walked back-to-back righties and then gave up a single to a lefty to blow the game.
Lucas Luetge came on in the seventh with a couple of lefties coming up. But he gave up a pair of singles, a double, and a walk and allowed Philadelphia to extend their lead.
Another strong outing from Jared Shuster
Jared Shuster has stepped up big time in the rotation with the injuries to Max Fried and Kyle Wright.
While he did walk Bryce Harper to start the Philly rally in the sixth, it was still a third straight really good starter for Shuster, coming only one out away from officially being a quality start: He went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
The lefty is getting in a groove and feeling more confident at the big league level, which is huge for the Braves.
Michael Harris II showing positive signs
After getting pinch-hit for in a big spot on Thursday, Michael Harris II didn't hang his head but came out and showed signs of life on Friday.
He put the Braves ahead in the fifth inning with a line-drive home run that was 108.8 MPH off the bat.
Later in the seventh inning, he singled on a ball hit 104.1 MPH.
He then he took a walk in the ninth to give Ronald Acuna Jr. a chance to tie it up -- but it wasn't to be.
Overall, it was a very encouraging night for MH2 who is showing signs of coming out of a brutal slump.
What's next?
The Braves and Phillies will play again on Saturday at 4:10 PM ET. It will be Zack Wheeler on the mound for the Phillies against Charlie Morton, and the broadcast is available on Bally Sports Southeast.
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