Jesse Chavez DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves designated relief pitcher Jesse Chavez for assignment, and in a corresponding move, they selected the contract of reliever Zach Thompson. Chavez signed on with the Braves last week and had his contract selected March 31, pitching two innings for Atlanta that day, only to be DFA'd the next day as the Braves' bullpen had been taxed and long-relief reinforcements were needed. Thompson will provide that, however, it remains to be seen how effective he will be. The 31-year-old missed all of 2024 recovering from flexor tendon surgery, and hasn't pitched at the major league level since 2022. In his limited major league action, the 6-foot-7 hurler owns a 4.44 ERA (4.42 FIP), 1.40 WHIP, and a 9.6 percent K-BB% over 196 2/3 IP. The righty is best left unrostered for fantasy, and as for Chavez, if he clears waivers, don't be surprised to see him back with the Braves soon.

The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that they selected the contract of right-handed reliever Jesse Chavez from Triple-A Gwinnett to the major-league roster and designated right-handed reliever Hector Neris for assignment in a corresponding move. The 41-year-old Chavez will give the Braves a new bullpen arm after Neris had a disastrous two relief outings in San Diego over the weekend by allowing five earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking one and striking out one in just one inning of work. This will be Chavez's fourth different stint with the organization. In 46 appearances out of the Braves' bullpen last year, Chavez was solid with a 3.13 ERA (4.43 FIP) and 1.25 WHIP with 55 strikeouts and 19 walks in 63 1/3 innings pitched. In a likely middle-relief role, Chavez will have very little fantasy appeal.

The Atlanta Braves signed relief pitcher Jesse Chavez to a minor-league deal on Sunday. The veteran is going to pitch in Sunday's game versus the Orioles with a chance to make the Opening Day roster according to manager Brian Snitker. Despite his advancing age, the 41-year-old has been a solid reliever the last handful of seasons, posting a 2.91 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and a 17.0 percent K-BB% from 2021-24 (201 IP). Last season, though, the righty recorded a K/9 of 7.82, his lowestsince 2017 (excluding 2020). If the 2021 World Series champion can make the team, for fantasy he'd likely only be worth a look in deep NL-only leagues.