The Atlanta Braves are putting the rest of the NL East on notice at the start of the MLB season.After Monday night’s 9-4 victory over the Washington Nationals, the Braves stand 16-7, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the majors’ best record. They have opened up a five-game lead on their division rivals.So far, Atlanta has bounced back nicely from a 76-86 season that ended a seven-year postseason streak.MORE: Edwin Diaz’s elbow injury, surgery strike another blow to Dodgers’ bullpenThe bullpen is one major reason for the Braves’ resurgence. Atlanta relievers have recorded a 2.61 ERA and nine saves, both second in MLB, with a 6-2 record.

Their 1.02 WHIP paces the majors.Unfortunately, the bullpen took a hit on the back end Tuesday when Atlanta placed closer Raisel Iglesias on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.But the good news is that Atlanta prepared in the offseason for such an occurrence. In December, the Braves signed the NL’s leader in saves, Robert Suarez, to a three-year, $45 million deal be Iglesias’ setup man.“I’m willing to do whatever needs to be done,” Suarez said when he signed. “I just want to help the team win in any which way.

So I’m happy to do whatever the team needs.”Atlanta Braves pitcher Robert Suarez (75) pitches against the Athletics. | Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesAfter saving 40 games for the San Diego Padres in 2025, Suarez will move into Atlanta’s closer role, per MLB.com. He is 2-0 with an 0.93 ERA and one save so far this season. Suarez has struck out 11 batters in 9 2/3 innings.Suarez, 35, has 78 career saves, all but one with the Padres.

He owns a 2.45 ERA in 12 postseason appearances.Iglesias saved Atlanta’s 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, although he was unavailable the day before. Braves manager Walt Weiss said Iglesias slept on his shoulder wrong on Friday night. Suarez filled in to get the save during Saturday’s 3-1 triumph over the Phillies.In Sunday’s appearance, Iglesias’ average four-seam velocity was down from 94.1 mph to 92.9 mph, per MLB.

Iglesias has yet to give up a run in eight appearances and has recorded five saves. He is eligible to return from the IL on May 5.