NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Jesse Chavez has been given yet another chance to be part of the Braves' bullpen. But he won't be on the Opening Day roster.
Chavez signed a Minor League deal with the Braves on Saturday. The 41-year-old reliever was reassigned to Minor League camp after allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks in two innings in a 5-5 tie against the Orioles on Sunday.
Chavez's bid to begin the season as Atlanta's long-relief option officially ended Sunday afternoon, when the Braves acquired José Suarez from the Angels in exchange for Ian Anderson. Suarez, who is out of options, is targeted to serve as Atlanta's long reliever to begin the season.
This is the second straight year Chavez has joined the Braves at the end of Spring Training after being released by another club. The Rangers released him Friday.
After being released by the White Sox last year, Chavez posted a 1.32 ERA over 26 appearances through the end of June. But he compiled a 5.22 ERA in the 20 appearances he made after July arrived.
Chavez has become a fan favorite while posting a 2.48 ERA over the 152 innings he has pitched for Atlanta going back to the 2021 season.