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Jhoulys Chacin was released by the Twins in the 2020 Summer Camp in July. He was picked up by the Braves two days afterward. At the time, Cole Hamels was not expected for Opening Day, Felix Hernandez had opted out, and the Braves were trying to settle key parts of the bullpen and rotation. It was his second stint with the Braves. The first was in 2016, when Chacin made 5 starts for the Braves. He had a 5.40 ERA/3.97 FIP/3.46 xFIP line in 26.2 IP. He was traded for Angels prospect Adam McCreery, back when acquiring young high velocity arms seemed the whole purpose of their player development. The second Braves stint did not yield a prospect and lasted less than a week.
What went right in 2020?
Jhoulys Chacin picked up the second Braves win of the season! Sean Newcomb started on July 26th versus the Mets and went 3.1 IP. Sean threw 82 pitches, plenty considering MLB’s restart and he was a reliever last year. Jhoulys went 3.2 IP of one-hit ball, and the Braves blew out the Mets on an ESPN Sunday night. Here he is striking out Pete Alonso with a curveball.
What went wrong in 2020?
Chacin once again relieved Sean Newcomb versus the Mets five days later. It went very poorly, giving up five hits and four runs and only getting four outs. He was designated for assignment the next day.
Outlook for 2021
Not great, Bob. The young pitching is coming around. The bullpen emerged as a strength last year as well. I’m not sure there is a place for him, unless it’s on a minor league deal which seems unlikely. We’ll always have those 2016 starts and Adam McCreery, though, even Adam hasn’t pitched since 2018.