Back to the Atlanta Braves via Anaheim
The Angels gave Chavez a minor league deal in February 2021 but cut him before the end of Spring Training. The Braves signed Chavez on April 17, and he became a key part of the Atlanta Braves bullpen for the remainder of the season.
The Braves didn’t offer him a contract before the lockout allowing the Cubs to pick Chavez up when it ended. This trip to Chicago didn’t go as well as his 2018 stay; he appeared in three games, threw five innings, and gave up four runs.
Please give me the ball.
Chavez isn’t the oldest Atlanta Braves reliever; that dubious honor falls to 39-1/2-year-old sidearmer Darren O’Day. Chavez doesn’t throw hard anymore, relying instead on locations and changing speed for success.
He’ll give up home runs if he’s wild over the plate, and he still walks too many people. His value lies in eating innings to save the bullpen and getting batters to hit the ball on the ground, something he didn’t do well for the Cubs. Hopefully, a return to Atlanta will help him regain his touch.
That’s a wrap
When fans see players on the field working as a team to play the game and hear about big contracts, it’s easy to forget the majority of players don’t get that monster deal.
Players like Chavez have to love the game to put up with the uncertainties that accompany it. I’m glad he’s back and hope for another good season from the old man.