The Atlanta Braves have officially announced the promotion of right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez to their major league roster. To accommodate this move, left-hander Dylan Dodd has been optioned to Triple-A, while Spencer Schwellenbach has been transferred to the 60-day injured list, creating a necessary spot on the 40-man roster for Chavez.
At 41, Chavez has already made a couple of appearances for the Braves this season, allowing two runs over three innings. His tenure with Atlanta has been marked by a series of ups and downs; he has signed minor league contracts and has been briefly called up, only to face designation for assignment before opting for free agency and returning to the Braves. Throughout his extensive 18-year MLB career, Chavez has spent more time with Atlanta than any other franchise, achieving a commendable 3.13 ERA across 224.1 innings with the team.
Despite being in his early forties, Chavez has demonstrated continued proficiency at Triple-A, boasting a 2.05 ERA in 30.2 innings this season. This suggests that he may still have the potential to contribute effectively at the major league level. However, keeping a spot on the roster might prove challenging given the impressive performances from other relievers such as Dylan Lee and Daysbel Hernandez this season.
Dylan Dodd, a left-handed pitcher who made his big league debut in 2023, was moved to Triple-A after struggling in his initial stint as a starter. Transitioning to a relief role has yielded better results for him, highlighted by a 3.75 ERA across 12 innings in the majors and a favorable strikeout-to-walk ratio. While his performance in Triple-A has not been as strong, his capability to pitch multiple innings and being a left-handed option could make him an asset in the Braves’ bullpen moving forward.
Spencer Schwellenbach’s transfer to the 60-day injured list comes after he suffered an elbow fracture last week. He will be unavailable to return until at least August 31, but optimistic forecasts suggest he could be back in action by September. Since his major league promotion last year, Schwellenbach has been a valuable player for the Braves, recording a 3.23 ERA over 38 career starts.
This series of roster changes reflects the Braves’ strategy of maintaining a competitive edge while managing player health. With Chavez’s experience and Dodd’s potential, the team is positioning itself for a strong finish as the season progresses.