Braves Reshape Bullpen with Ruiz Claim, Kimbrel DFA Amid Struggles

The Atlanta Braves are facing significant challenges with their bullpen in 2025, marked by injuries, ineffective performances, and recent roster shakeups. Key bullpen arms such as Raisel Iglesias have lost their closer role, Daysbel Hernandez is injured, and the team has reversed course on Craig Kimbrel, designating him for assignment after just one game despite his veteran status and history with the Braves. The Braves claimed Jose Ruiz off waivers from the Phillies as a potential bullpen option, though his recent performance has been poor, indicating the team's desperation for bullpen help. Analysts attribute the bullpen's struggles to offseason losses of key relievers and failure to find proven replacements, contributing to blown leads and a poor record in close games. Additionally, the Braves' decision to designate Scott Blewett for assignment despite his solid performance has been criticized, with suggestions that other pitchers with worse recent results should have been moved instead. Overall, the bullpen's instability, combined with a lackluster offense and questionable roster decisions, has placed the Braves in a precarious position as they approach the trade deadline, raising doubts about their competitiveness this season.