Zach Thompson 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.

On Monday, the St. Louis Cardinals placed pitcher Zack Thompson (lat) on the 15-day injured list. The 27-year-old has dealt with a Grade 1 lat strain throughout the spring, limiting him to just one inning pitched. Thompson has been shut down for three to four weeks as he recovers. The former first-round pick was competing for a roster spot this spring, though now it's unclear whether he will join the major-league club upon his return or be shuffled back to Triple-A Memphis with the Redbirds. Thompson was not good during his big-league stint in 2024, compiling a 9.53 ERA and 1.88 WHIP in 17 innings. The Cards' rotation is now calibrated, with Sonny Gray, Erick Fedde, Miles Mikolas, Andre Pallante, and Matthew Liberatore set to toe the rubber to kick off the season.