If Kyle Farnsworth keeps pitching like this, Braves general manager John Schuerholz might have a July trade acquisition to rival Fred McGriff.
McGriff was acquired from San Diego in 1993 to plug a hole at first base and in the middle of the Braves’ batting order. Farnsworth — so far — is plugging an even bigger hole in the Braves’ bullpen after being acquired from Detroit.
The Braves may finally have the closer to replace John Smoltz after the failures of Dan Kolb and, to a lesser degree, Chris Reitsma.
Reitsma can now pitch the eighth inning, where he seems to be more comfortable, and Farnsworth has been lights-out in the ninth. Farnsworth is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and hasn’t given up a run since early August.
Of course, it remains to be seen if Farnsworth can get it done in the postseason. His sore back also remains a concern.
But at least Farnsworth gives Braves fans hope for the playoffs, when Kolb is unlikely to even be on the roster.