Gabriel Burns

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

LOS ANGELES — Jesse Chavez’s sixth Braves stint was a brief one. At least for now. The Braves designated Chavez for assignment Tuesday to make room for a fresh long reliever in Zach Thompson. Chavez, 41, rejoined the Braves on Monday and pitched two innings in a 6-1 loss to the Dodgers. Thompson, 31, hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2022. He owns a 4.44 ERA across two seasons (55 games) with the Marlins and Pirates. He simply provides the team length in the bullpen.

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

LOS ANGELES — The Braves’ top offseason acquisition is now out of the picture for months and ineligible for the postseason. Outfielder Jurickson Profar, 32, tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance called Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which is a banned substance in MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. He received an 80-game suspension and cannot play in the postseason.

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

LOS ANGELES — The Braves’ rotation already has taken a hit: Reynaldo Lopez will go on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation. Lopez, 31, was a staple in the Braves’ rotation a year ago after signing with the club as a free agent. Braves manager Brian Snitker said Lopez felt the inflammation after his side session Sunday. Lopez’s velocity had dipped in spring training, but he attributed that to his process. His velocity was in its normal mid-90s range over his first start.

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

SAN DIEGO – Everyone is amped to have baseball back until their team is whiffing with runners on. Or when they endure the unavoidable bullpen debacle. Or when it seems every bounce favors the opposition. Or when it simply feels like their team is White Sox 2.0.It’s natural to live in the moment at baseball’s outset. As a result, these enthusiasts are shouting profanities at the television and dismissing the realities of a six-month season. That’s what being a fanatic is all about.

3 weeks ago | ajc.com | Gabriel Burns

SAN DIEGO – For two days, Drake Baldwin endured baseball cruelty. Then the sport’s beautiful oddities shined upon him. Baldwin began his career 0-for-7 with a walk, but that lacks context. His first major-league experience immediately tested his mental wherewithal as the process didn’t align with the results. Baldwin produced five outs that exceeded 96 mph exit velocity, including three that cleared 101. He was smoking the ball but had nothing to show for it.