On June 14, 2023, Jesse Chavez got hit in the left leg by a Miguel Cabrera comebacker and had to leave the field. The Braves later found out that Chavez's left shin was fractured by that hit.
At that time, Chavez was the best reliever in the Braves bullpen. In 28 innings of work, Chavez had a 0-0 record and a 1.55 ERA. Whenever Atlanta found themselves in a bind, they turned to Chavez to get them out of the jam. You would think his name was Cyndi Lauper with the way he came through time after time.
On September 20, 2023, Chavez made his triumphant return to the mound in Atlanta. How did he do? He proceeded to pitch 2.1 innings and only gave up one hit and one walk. He looked like he hadn't missed a beat over the past few months. I mentioned how Atlanta always called on him to get us out of a jam, well we are in a jam right now (sort of).
Atlanta is trying to secure home-field advantage throughout the National League playoffs and also trying to finish the regular season with the best overall record in the Bigs. It is hard to do that when you have lost five of your last six games. The Dodgers are right on our heels for that No. 1 seed and the Baltimore Orioles are closing in on the best record.
We need Chavez to be great now more than ever. To rest our pitchers, to get us out of jams, and to secure the No. 1 seed.
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