Braves alarming closer stat raises concern amid historic drought
The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen continues to struggle, setting a franchise record for games without a save amid closer uncertainty.
The Atlanta Braves have entered unfamiliar territory in 2025, setting a troubling franchise record that’s drawing national attention. Atlanta has now gone 31 straight games without recording a save—a historic stretch that has placed the Braves bullpen under a glaring spotlight. At 35-41 and sitting 11-games back in the NL East, the team’s lack of late-game execution is becoming a major storyline.
The primary issue stems from veteran reliever Raisel Iglesias, whose sharp decline has led to instability for the Atlanta closer situation. Iglesias has posted a 5.93 ERA and allowed seven home runs across just 27.1 innings. He’s blown 4 of 10 save chances, a drastic drop-off from his 34-save, 1.95 ERA season in 2024. The Braves bullpen has failed to protect narrow leads, leaving fans frustrated as winnable games slip away.
The Athletic’s David O’Brien took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and posted the following jaw-dropping stat.
“The #Braves have gone a franchise-record 31 consecutive games without a save. Since saves became an official stat in 1969, their previous longest save-less stretch was 25 games spanning the 1970-1971 seasons.”
With Iglesias struggling, Atlanta’s save opportunities have not only diminished but disappeared entirely. Craig Kimbrel was briefly recalled, only to be designated for assignment a day later. Meanwhile, left-hander Dylan Lee has quietly emerged as one of the team’s most effective relievers.
