The Atlanta Braves are still struggling at the plate, so much that when they do have a starting pitcher scuffle, you can pretty much chalk up a loss. In fact, the Braves are zero in they're last twenty-six games where they have given up four or more runs. That's not so great for the team that set the single-season record for home runs just last season. But, that is baseball, and the offense has shown some sparks lately, we just have to hope that they get hot at the right moment: the playoffs. One area that the Braves are doing great in is pitching, and there is likely more help on the way with the returns of A.J. Smith-Shawver and Ian Anderson. Max Fried is pitching his way in to a VERY lucrative contract, albeit probably won't be with the Braves. Chris Sale has been a revelation, who would've taken the National League lead in wins had the offense gotten a paltry two runs. Reynaldo Lopez, although struggling a little in his last start, may be the free agent acquisition of the year. But the unsung heroes have been the pitchers in the bullpen. The Braves currently have five relievers with an ERA under three, and the leader of that squad is veteran Jesse Chavez. Forty year-old Jesse Chavez has pitched in twenty-seven games this season, with an ERA of 1.51 with thirty strikeouts through thirty-five innings pitched. Chavez was on a similar track last year before he was struck in the leg by a comebacker that landed him on the IL for majority of the season. With public All-Star voting coming to a close, it is about time for the players and coaches to exercise their right to vote, and there is no other candidate that deserves it more than Braves' fan favorite veteran Jesse Chavez, AKA "The Coach". Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael talk to Braves insider Grant McCauley about Chavez, players due back from injury, and what the Braves may or may not do at the trade deadline.

<p>The Atlanta Braves are still struggling at the plate, so much that when they do have a starting pitcher scuffle, you can pretty much chalk up a loss. In fact, the Braves are zero in they're last twenty-six games where they have given up four or more runs. That's not so great for the team that set the single-season record for home runs just last season. But, that is baseball, and the offense has shown some sparks lately, we just have to hope that they get hot at the right moment: the playoffs. One area that the Braves are doing great in is pitching, and there is likely more help on the way with the returns of A.J. Smith-Shawver and Ian Anderson. Max Fried is pitching his way in to a VERY lucrative contract, albeit probably won't be with the Braves. Chris Sale has been a revelation, who would've taken the National League lead in wins had the offense gotten a paltry two runs. Reynaldo Lopez, although struggling a little in his last start, may be the free agent acquisition of the year. But the unsung heroes have been the pitchers in the bullpen. The Braves currently have five relievers with an ERA under three, and the leader of that squad is veteran Jesse Chavez. Forty year-old Jesse Chavez has pitched in twenty-seven games this season, with an ERA of 1.51 with thirty strikeouts through thirty-five innings pitched. Chavez was on a similar track last year before he was struck in the leg by a comebacker that landed him on the IL for majority of the season. With public All-Star voting coming to a close, it is about time for the players and coaches to exercise their right to vote, and there is no other candidate that deserves it more than Braves' fan favorite veteran Jesse Chavez, AKA "The Coach". Andy Bunker and Randy McMichael talk to Braves insider Grant McCauley about Chavez, players due back from injury, and what the Braves may or may not do at the trade deadline.</p>

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