Fansided

4 Atlanta Braves deserving of first All-Star Game appearances

By Cody Williams

ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on May 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - MAY 23: Spencer Strider #99 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park on May 23, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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Jesse Chavez, Atlanta Braves
Jesse Chavez, Atlanta Braves. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

3. Jesse Chavez has been All-Star caliber for the Braves all season long

There has been a lot of fuss made about the Atlanta Braves bullpen throughout the season and many times for the wrong reasons. Fans have been frustrated with the performances of guys like Kirby Yates, AJ Minter, Lucas Luetge and Raisel Iglesias throughout the year as they’ve undeniably dropped the ball a time or two.

But in the midst of that, the shockingly most reliable reliever for the club this season has been Jesse Chavez.

Fans will remember the wild story of Chavez, who was picked up by the Braves early in the 2022 season for his third stint with the team, but was then traded to the Angels for the aforementioned Iglesias. But Los Angeles cut him less than a month after that deal, which then allowed Atlanta to sign him again. They then re-signed him this offseason with modest-at-best expecations.

Chavez has more than delivered on that this year, though. The 39-year-old veteran is in the middle of one of the best seasons of his career, posting an impressive 1.73 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 28 appearances this season.

At his age, Chavez still has never made the All-Star Game. And given his low profile, there’s a chance he might not again in 2023. But when you look at the reliable presence he’s been out of the ‘pen for the Braves this season, it’s hard to make an argument against him deserving to be in Seattle.

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