WASHINGTON -- Mike Foltynewicz righted himself after a rough first inning and Atlanta's offense did its part to keep things close against Max Scherzer. But when Sam Freeman was deemed the best option to face Bryce Harper in a one-run game, the Braves were given yet another reason to upgrade their bullpen before next week's non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Harper's sixth-inning RBI single off Freeman did not serve as the decisive blow in Sunday's twice-delayed 6-2 loss to the Nationals at Nationals Park. But the decision to use a lefty who has retired just half of the left-handed batters he's faced dating back to May 30 highlighted the lack of depth in the Braves' bullpen.