Following the Atlanta Braves’ 8–3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 3, 2025, manager Brian Snitker addressed the criticism surrounding his bullpen decisions, particularly the choice to have Rafael Montero pitch the ninth inning. Despite the game’s outcome, Snitker defended the decision, emphasizing the importance of giving his relievers opportunities to pitch in various situations to build their confidence and experience.
Snitker acknowledged the team’s bullpen struggles earlier in the season but expressed optimism about their potential. He noted that while the bullpen has faced challenges, they are not far off from success, and with continued effort, they can improve their performance.
The Braves’ bullpen has been a topic of concern, with a 5.83 ERA through 26 games, ranking third-worst in the majors and worst in the National League. Snitker identified the need for one more reliable pitcher to stabilize the bullpen, suggesting that the team is close to finding the right mix of relievers.
Despite the loss, Snitker remained confident in his bullpen’s ability to bounce back, stating, “They’re not going to go the whole season without anybody scoring on them.”
The Braves will look to rebound in their next game against the Diamondbacks on June 4, 2025, at 4:15 PM PDT.
Leave a Reply