Is Kinley falling down the bullpen hierarchy?

TL;DR

Tyler Kinley of the Atlanta Braves has struggled recently, allowing three home runs in the last three weeks. His performance has raised questions about his position in the bullpen hierarchy.

Key points

Tyler Kinley has allowed three home runs in three weeks
His xwOBA has increased significantly during this period
Questions arise about his position in the bullpen hierarchy

Tyler KinleyAtlanta BravesBoston Red SoxDylan Lee

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 15: Tyler Kinley (45) of the Atlanta Braves pitches during the Friday evening MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox on May 15, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The top of the bullpen has been good. The bottom of the bullpen has trying very hard. Tyler Kinley, like Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias, has been a part of the leading side of the bullpen this year. The last three weeks however, have been brutal for Kinley. This is the third home run allowed by Tyler in the last three weeks. It’s the second one on the slider. The third came from a curveball. The xwOBA is up over 100 points during the last weeks versus the first four and a half weeks. He’s looking very hittable though. His xFIP is basically unchanged though. It’s only up to 4.26 from 4.20. **But regardless, is Kinley going to falling down the bullpen hierarchy?** Problem is, who would he fall underneath? Does Didier Fuentes become a single inning guy? Does Aaron Bummer move into that role? Or should we assume that hitters have gotten a better look and he simply needs to change it up?

Q&A

What has caused Tyler Kinley's recent struggles in the bullpen?

Tyler Kinley has allowed three home runs in the last three weeks, with an increase in xwOBA, indicating he has become more hittable.

Who might replace Tyler Kinley in the Braves' bullpen hierarchy?

Potential replacements include Didier Fuentes as a single inning guy or Aaron Bummer moving into a more prominent role.

How does Tyler Kinley's xFIP compare over the last few weeks?

Kinley's xFIP has only slightly increased from 4.20 to 4.26, suggesting that while he is allowing more hits, his underlying performance metrics remain stable.