It was a tough first series of 2025 for the Atlanta Braves bullpen, who took the loss in three of the four games and put the finale out reach even if the offense did decide to show up. This was enough for the team to turn to a familiar face on Monday.
Jesse Chavez had re-signed with the Braves at the end of spring training, but had been assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett after his lone appearance with the club when Grapefruit League play concluded. The 41-year-old saw action in one game for the Stripers before he was recalled to the big league roster.
The Braves announced the roster move on Monday afternoon. To make room for Chavez, Hector Neris, another offseason addition, was designated for assignment after two disastrous games in San Diego.
Why the Braves brought back reliever Jesse Chavez early in 2025
Jesse Chavez will join the Braves at Dodger Stadium today. Hector Neris has been DFA’d
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 31, 2025
While Chavez certainly didn't have his best stuff during 2025's spring training and his one appearance in the minors, Alex Anthopoulos and the front office opted for familiarity, clearly expressing confidence Chavez could return to his typical form with the Braves (a team he is oddly comfortable with).
In what seems to be stranger than fiction, Chavez has simply been much better with the Braves than he's been with any other team. Prior to joining the Braves in 2021, the righty had a 6.88 ERA during the 2020 season. In 2022, while not with the Braves, Chavez had a 6.35 ERA with the Cubs and a 7.59 ERA with the Angels. Since 2021 with the Braves, he's logged a 2.53 ERA in four seasons.
Chavez signed with the Rangers this offseason, but struggled over spring training, leading to his release. The Braves hope they still have the secret sauce for Chavez and that he can continue this weird success to help numb the pain of the team's 0-4 start.
Chavez will be replacing Neris, who signed with the Braves after the start of spring training. The Braves hoped the former Astro could return to his 2023 form, when he had a 1.71 ERA in 68 1/3 innings. Instead, the 36-year-old allowed five runs in one inning across two games. He allowed five hits, including a homer, and a walk, and was hit with the loss in the first game of the year.
The Braves front office has taken heat for not doing enough to fortify the bullpen after losing setup man Joe Jimenez. While Chavez might help a little, it's clear that turning to veteran relievers looking for their last shot wasn't the best option.