The Atlanta Braves made a move on Tuesday, sending reliever Jackson Stephens to Triple-A Gwinnett. This decision opened up a spot on the opening-day roster for Jesse Chavez, a beloved figure among fans.
Chavez, aged 40, joined the Braves just a day before after being let go by the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox released him after a tough spring training where he struggled, conceding nine earned runs in seven innings.
This marks Chavez’s fifth stint with the Braves, and he expressed deep emotions about returning to the team. He had been a reliable reliever for the Braves last season until he suffered an injury from a comebacker hit by Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera.
Despite his return late in the season, he wasn’t as effective, and the Braves didn’t include him in their postseason plans.
Stephens, on the other hand, was sent outright to Gwinnett after a decent showing in spring training, where he posted a 3.68 ERA in six appearances. It seemed he might make the roster until the Braves decided to bring back Chavez for the long-relief role.
Chavez has a history with the Braves, having been acquired by them in a trade with Tampa Bay in 2009. He’s also been part of other trades involving the Braves, playing with them multiple times over his 16-year career, and he’s excited to return for what he says will be his final season.
