Jesse Chavez Continues Up-and-Down Career with Braves

The Braves designated Chavez for assignment to make room for right-handed pitcher Zach Thompson, whose contract they selected as a corresponding move. Thompson is known as a long-reliever, even having experience as a starting pitcher with the Miami Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates. While Thompson may not be needed Tuesday, the Braves could use him in the near future.

With reigning NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale taking the mound Tuesday against the Dodgers, Atlanta hopes to avoid using Thompson in a long-relief situation. However, Thompson could be needed in Wednesday’s series finale with Bryce Elder starting for the Braves. Atlanta called Elder up from Triple-A Monday after placing 2024 NL All-Star Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

Elder struggled in his ten starts in 2024, pitching 49.2 innings and posting a 6.52 ERA in his third major league season. While the Braves had hoped to give Elder more time in Triple-A, López’s injury caused him to be brought up sooner than expected. Given Elder’s struggles and the Dodgers’ loaded lineup, Thompson may be needed to eat innings if things go south for Elder Wednesday.

With a tough series this week and Atlanta’s pitching injuries, designating Chavez for assignment makes sense. At this point in his career, Chavez isn’t much of a mystery. He has a 4.24 career ERA in 1,136 major league innings and is not known for being an elite pitcher. While he is beloved amongst Braves fans, it is the right move. And with Chavez’s track record, a return to the Braves can’t be ruled out.