The Braves just keep the roster carousel spinning. Sunday was no different as Atlanta recalled right-handed pitcher Davis Daniel to the Major League roster.
In a corresponding move that has almost become a running joke at this point, Jesse Chavez was once again designated for assignment.
Davis Daniel’s Return to Braves Country
Daniel’s story is a pretty good one if you’re into local kid narratives. He was born in Atlanta and spent his high school years in Montgomery, Alabama—both solidly inside the borders of Braves Country.
After a brief stint in the majors with the Angels in 2023, where he impressed with a 2.19 ERA in three bullpen outings, Daniel transitioned to the starting rotation, and things got a little rockier. Across six starts, he posted a rough 6.23 ERA in 30 1/3 innings.
This season at Triple-A, he hasn’t exactly been lights out, but he hasn’t been a disaster either. Daniel had a 4.63 ERA in three starts and a 1.29 WHIP with nine strikeouts in just over 11 innings. Solid, if unspectacular—but with the Braves pitching situation being what it is, “solid” might be just enough right now.
Opportunity Knocks for Davis Daniel
At the time of writing, the Braves have all three starters for their upcoming series against the Rockies listed as TBD. That opens the door wide for Daniel to potentially grab a start.
Or, depending on how the Braves want to shuffle the deck, he could slide into Chavez’s old bullpen spot and work long relief. That is a role where he could really shine, given his recent starting experience.
One way or another, the Braves need arms, and Daniel fits the bill. He’s fresh, versatile, and might be the kind of plug-and-play option they need to get through a dangerous trip to Coors Field without blowing up the bullpen.
Jesse Chavez: the Man, the Myth, the Frequent Flyer
Then there’s Jesse Chavez. He’s a man who somehow manages to be DFA’d twice in the same month without anyone even being surprised. Last time he got the pink slip, he elected free agency. But in classic Chavez fashion, immediately turned around and re-signed with the Braves and headed to Triple-A.
In his two big league appearances this year—one each time he’s been called up—he allowed two runs over three innings. Not amazing, not terrible. But the Braves’ pitching crunch means tough decisions have to be made. Once again, Chavez is the odd man out for now.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that Chavez isn’t really gone until he officially retires. Even then, Braves fans will probably keep one eye on the bullpen door just in case he wanders back out.
