Considering Dylan Lee has pitched significantly worse since the All-Star break, the Braves should be cautious of how they utilize him.
Prior to the All-Star break in July, Atlanta Braves reliever Dylan Lee had proven to be one of the league’s most efficient relief arms, specifically among left-handers.
Lee had a 1.47 ERA in 44 games in the first half of the season, continuously producing in his role when called upon by Braves manager Walt Weiss, which often comes against left-handed hitters. The southpaw had been among an elite tandem of high-leverage relievers in the backend of the Braves’ bullpen.
However, since the second half of the season began, Lee has been far from the same reliever that posted such great numbers in the first half.
Since the All-Star break, Lee has posted an abysmal 6.43 ERA in 24 appearances, in which he has allowed 15 earned runs in 21 innings of work. In the first half of the season, Lee had only allowed just seven earned runs.
The matter has quickly become a concern, as Lee had consistently been the Braves’ top lefty option in relief. Ever since his struggles began, the team has begun to lean more on Brent Suter in such situations and has recently added lefties Ray Kerr and Bailey Falter to their bullpen mix.
Lee’s struggles continued in a drastic outing on Sunday, which now brings a stronger level of concern of trusting his arm in high-leverage.
In the Braves’ series finale against the Philadelphia Phillies, Lee entered a tie ballgame at two runs apiece in the top of the eighth inning. Not only did he end up giving up the lead, but he was responsible for an outburst of runs in the frame.
Lee allowed four runs and four hits in the eighth, and was ultimately unable to get himself out of the inning. The southpaw was responsible for the loss, as the Phillies would go on to score seven runs in the inning and suddenly put the game out of reach for the Braves.
While the outcome was ideal for Philadelphia, the Braves are fortunately not too affected by the loss, as they own a five-game lead in the NL East over the Phillies. But as the postseason nears, it is becoming more evident who the Braves shouldn’t trust in the bullpen.
Simply put, Lee has not been the same reliever that he has been for the Braves over the last two months. Sunday’s outing proved that Atlanta should be more articulate as to when they should plug Lee in, as his recent performance on the mound has become a growing concern.
