In Game 1 of their doubleheader against the Tigers, the Braves may have been dealt another massive blow to their pitching staff. Jesse Chavez has been the best reliever on the team over the first two-plus months and one of the best bullpen pieces in the entire league. He deserves serious consideration for the NL All-Star team, but we may have just seen his last pitch for the foreseeable future.
In the top of the sixth, Chavez came into the game in relief of Spencer Strider, who had a rough go of it, allowing five runs over five innings. However, the Braves still had a two-run lead, thanks to monster games from Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuña.
With Chavez on the mound, the Braves had to feel good about their chances. Then, disaster struck, as Miguel Cabrera struck a hard liner off Chavez’s leg. The 39-year-old veteran immediately went down in pain. He tried to get up on his own power, but staying in the game was never an option. Chavez couldn’t put any weight on his leg and was eventually carried to the dugout by the trainers.
It was a freak injury that typically doesn’t result in a serious injury. However, judging by Chavez’s reaction and the way he couldn’t even move it, it looks very possible that he may have fractured something, which could potentially keep him out for the rest of the season.
I like to be hopeful in these situations, but it looked as bad as possible, which is so disappointing for a 16-year MLB veteran amid the best season of his career. Hopefully, Jesse Chavez can return at some point this season. Not only do the Braves desperately need him, but he deserves the success he’s experiencing as much as anyone.
We will keep you updated with the medical results as they become available.
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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