Jim Johnson’s 2017 season perhaps is the best example of the struggles the Atlanta Braves had with their bullpen. Coming into the season, the bullpen looked like it would be a potential strength with Johnson playing a major role, but things went south quickly.
What were the expectations?
Johnson was a pleasant surprise for the Braves in 2016 and signed a two-year extension to remain with the club on the final day of the regular season. He entered 2017 as the team’s closer and looked like a safe bet to at the very least occupy a late inning role in the back half of the team’s bullpen.