Red-Hot Braves Hurler Among Most 'Overlooked' Players In NL East

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Aug 13, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Raisel Iglesias (26) points to the sky after defeating the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves have one of the most deep rosters in baseball.

Atlanta has dealt with more injuries than most teams in baseball this year and yet it would be in the playoffs if the season were to end today. The Braves currently hold the final National League Wild Card spot with a 66-58 record.

One of the reasons why the Braves have been able to stay above water despite the high number of injuries has been the performance of closer Raisel Iglesias this season. He has been amazing this season and has a 1.51 ERA and 46-to-8 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 47 2/3 innings pitched. He also has logged 26 saves. 

Although he has been great this season, he hasn't gotten much attention. He is so underrated that he was mentioned by CBS Sports' Mike Axisa as an honorable mention for the most "overlooked" player in the National League East.

"Honorable mention: I was surprised to see Braves closer Raisel Iglesias has never once been an All-Star in his career," Axisa said. "He is 26 for 28 in save chances this season and has a 1.51 ERA in 47 2/3 innings. Iglesias has struck out 46, unintentionally walked seven, and retired the last 29 batters he's faced dating back to July 27. He's been fantastic."

Atlanta certainly has one of the best closers in baseball and is one of the biggest reasons why the Braves have been able to rack up wins. The Braves aren't at full strength, but Iglesias's success at the end of games at least gives Atlanta some relief.

More MLB: Ex-Braves veteran utility man lands with NL West club, per insider

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Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 
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