The Atlanta Braves made a trio of roster moves on Sunday morning that reflect both short-term necessity and long-term reality. The team announced that veteran right-hander Jesse Chavez has been added to the 26-man roster, lefty Dylan Dodd has been optioned back to Triple-A Gwinnett, and starter Spencer Schwellenbach has been transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster.
It’s the latest shuffle for a pitching staff that’s been taxed to its limits in recent weeks.
Chavez Returns Again
This is Chavez’s third stint on the Atlanta Braves’ active roster in 2025. At almost 42 years old, he’s once again proving there’s still plenty of value in experience and reliability. While he’s only appeared in two MLB games this season (three innings pitched), Chavez has been quietly effective at Triple-A Gwinnett. He’s posted a 30.2-inning line with 36 strikeouts across 23 appearances.
Atlanta’s bullpen is reeling from a recent bullpen day against the Orioles. The game required seven pitchers to cover 10 innings. Adding Chavez gives manager Brian Snitker a fresh, battle-tested arm who can cover multiple frames if needed.
Dodd Sent Down After Bullpen Game Role
Dylan Dodd, who threw 39 pitches in Saturday’s bullpen game against Baltimore, was the obvious choice to be sent down as he’s still developing. And with minor league options available, this was a straightforward move to refresh the bullpen for the upcoming week.
Dodd’s outing, paired with Aaron Bummer, highlighted the challenges the Braves are facing without reliable depth in the back of the rotation. With injuries piling up and spot starts required, Atlanta is leaning on its bullpen more than ever. Versatile arms like Chavez is even more important due to the struggles and injuiries this season.
Schwellenbach to 60-Day IL
The third piece of this move comes as little surprise. Spencer Schwellenbach suffered a fractured elbow during his last start. He was already on the 15-day IL, but this move officially ends any hope of a quick return. By moving him to the 60-day IL, the Braves open a spot on the 40-man roster, but also acknowledge the severity of the injury.
With both Hurston Waldrep struggling in Triple-A and the rotation stretched thin, Atlanta is increasingly relying on stopgaps and bullpen arms to get through games.
Braves Forced to Shuffle
This roster move speaks volumes about the state of the Braves’ pitching depth. Injuries to Schwellenbach and others have forced Snitker and GM Alex Anthopoulos to juggle options daily, and bringing back a known quantity like Chavez shows just how valuable familiarity and flexibility are in the grind of July baseball.
If the Braves can keep the rotation stable and get Chavez to eat some innings, it buys them time—time to develop arms, explore the trade market, and keep the bullpen from burning out entirely before August even arrives.
