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Braves Announce Surprise Pitching Change as Bullpen Struggles Continue

The Atlanta Braves closed out the weekend by announcing a surprising shake-up to their bullpen. Needless to say, it was a much-needed change.
ByDevon Platana|
Atlanta Braves pitcher Jesse Chavez awaits the start of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Jesse Chavez awaits the start of a game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

It isn't a secret that the Atlanta Braves' 2025 performance has been one big rollercoaster ride. The Braves's record has gone up and down since Opening Day, culminating in a 12-14 record before this weekend's series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Although things have improved lately, the Braves' bullpen still remains a glaring issue. Atlanta currently owns a bottom-10 bullpen ERA has May approaches, highlighting the need for manager Brian Snitker to change things up before it's too late.

Braves Promote RHP Davis Daniel, Designate Jesse Chavez for Assignment

Interestingly enough, a bullpen shake-up is exactly what Atlanta did before Sunday's finale with Arizona.

"The Braves today recalled RHP Davis Daniel to Atlanta and designated RHP Jesse Chavez for assignment," the club announced on its social media pages Sunday morning.

Daniel's call-up marks his first opportunity to play with the Braves after being acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infield/outfielder Mitch Farris back in December. The 6-foot-1 righty has made three starts with Triple-A Gwinnett so far, going 0-2 while pitching to a 4.63 ERA with nine strikeouts and six walks issued in 11 2/3 innings.

As for Chavez, this is far from his first demotion of the season.

The Braves' latest roster decision marks the 41-year-old reliever's third time getting DFA'd since re-joining the franchise in March, leaving time to tell if he'll return again. Atlanta has a week to decide if Chavez will be waived or traded, however, there's always a chance he'll be re-signed to a minor-league deal (again) if he's outrighted.

Regardless of what happens next, Chavez must perform better if he wants to return to the Majors. The former World Series-winning hurler has a 1.42 ERA while averaging 17.1 strikeouts per nine innings in six appearances with Gwinnett this season, only for those numbers to plummet to a 6.00 ERA and 9.0 Ks per nine in two outings with the big-league club.

Fortunately, Chavez and the bullpen's struggles haven't hurt the team's outlook too much. The Braves will begin the new week with the fourth-best 2025 World Series odds (+1200) on FanDuel Sportsbook despite their early inconsistencies.

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