The Atlanta Braves have once again welcomed back veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez, marking his seventh stint with the team. In a series of roster moves, the Braves optioned left-hander Dylan Dodd to Triple-A Gwinnett and placed Spencer Schwellenbach on the 60-day injured list to create space for Chavez.
Chavez, a 41-year-old journeyman, has already made two appearances for the Braves this season, allowing two runs in three innings. His relationship with the Braves is unique; he frequently signs minor league deals with Atlanta, gets called up, designated for assignment, elects free agency, and then re-signs with the Braves. This arrangement seems mutually beneficial.
Throughout his 18-year MLB career, Chavez has spent more time with the Braves than any other organization. He boasts a solid 3.13 ERA in 224 1/3 innings during his time in Atlanta. While he may not be as dominant as he was in his mid-thirties, Chavez has been effective at Triple-A this year, posting a 2.05 ERA in 30 2/3 innings. It remains to be seen if he can maintain a roster spot, especially with the strong performances of optionable relievers like Dylan Lee and Daysbel Hernandez.
Dylan Dodd, who debuted as a starter in 2023 but struggled, has transitioned to a reliever role this season. In the majors, Dodd has a 3.75 ERA across 12 innings with a 20% strikeout rate and a low 4.4% walk rate. However, his Triple-A performance has been less impressive. The Braves are hoping that Chavez's veteran presence and recent Triple-A success will bolster their bullpen.
Why Chavez Keeps Coming Back
The Braves seem to be Chavez's baseball home. Despite playing for nine teams over 18 seasons and being the most traded player in MLB history, he consistently finds his way back to Truist Park. He also tends to pitch better when he's with the Braves, making his return a welcome sight for the team and fans alike.
This constant return has become a fun storyline to follow, highlighting the unique bond between the player and the organization. Welcome back, Jesse Chavez!