Baseball fans live for breaking news—whether it’s a blockbuster trade, a last-minute roster move, or a season-changing injury update. But in today’s fast-paced digital age, misinformation spreads just as fast, sometimes even faster than the truth. A single tweet or misleading post can send fan bases into a frenzy, sparking debates, panic, and even celebrations over moves that never actually happened. In an era where news travels at lightning speed, even the most absurd claims can gain traction before the facts have a chance to catch up.
That’s exactly what happened recently when a single tweet about veteran pitcher Jesse Chavez sent Atlanta Braves fans into a tailspin. The claim? A shocking roster move involving the trusted reliever. The reality? Not nearly as dramatic as social media made it seem.
It all began when FAX Sports: MLB tweeted, “the Braves have designated Jesse Chavez for assignment“. Given the source, many supporters assumed this was legitimate news, setting off a wave of responses. Braves supporters were in disbelief, questioning why the team would move on from a trusted veteran. Others speculated on what this meant for the team’s bullpen depth.
But a quick fact-check would have saved fans from unnecessary panic. Jesse Chavez had not been designated for assignment. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The Braves had just promoted the 41-year-old right-hander from Triple-A Gwinnett, reinforcing their confidence in his experience and ability. The real roster move? The Braves designated 35-year-old Héctor Neris for assignment after a rough start to the season, where he gave up five runs in just over an inning during the team’s opening series.
The Braves have designated Jesse Chavez for assignment. pic.twitter.com/KE4NsAXFi5
— FAX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFAX) April 1, 2025
The false report related to Jesse Chavez’s status with the Braves gained traction partly because of the team’s continuous bullpen adjustments. Leading up to the 2025 season, the Braves’ bullpen had been a point of concern, with many pointing out more uncertainties compared to previous years. For example, injuries to key players like Joe Jiménez left the bullpen’s depth in question. This created a perfect storm for the false Chavez claim to seem plausible to fans. Fans, already on edge due to the bullpen’s instability, were quick to believe and share the unfounded report.
Jesse Chavez‘s return to the Braves is remarkable, marking his fifth stretch with the team. Over his 18-season career, Chavez has flung the jerseys of nine distinctive teams, highlighting his resilience and adaptability. His last season with Atlanta saw him carrying off a commendable 3.13 ERA across 46 bullpen appearances, blistering his value as a well-grounded reliever. That’s why the rumor of him being DFA’d didn’t sit right with many fans—it simply didn’t make sense.
This situation is yet another example of how quickly misinformation spreads in the baseball world. A single unverified tweet can spark chaos among fans and analysts alike. It’s a reminder that in today’s social media-driven news cycle, credibility matters. In this case, the Braves’ official channels quickly debunked the rumor, confirming that Chavez was indeed staying put. False reports have become an all-too-common problem in MLB coverage.
Past MLB misinformation incidents
The quick dissemination of false information has become a vital issue in the MLB. A vital instance occurred in 2022 when misleading data suggested that the Yankees were going to sign star shortstop Carlos Correa. Social media went wild, with fans already envisioning the star shortstop in pinstripes. The truth? The reports were completely fabricated. FanSided later confirmed that the rumor had no merit, proving how easily fake news can shape public perception.
Similarly, in 2022, another false rumor rocked the baseball world. Reports falsely claimed that Judge had agreed to a deal with the Giants, sending Yankees fans into a meltdown. The rumor was so convincing that even respected reporters initially fell for it. But within hours, credible sources debunked it, and Judge ended up staying in New York, signing a nine-year, $360 million contract.
The Jesse Chavez DFA rumor is just the latest example of why fans should always double-check their sources. While social media is great for instant updates, it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation. Before believing and sharing breaking news, ask yourself: Does this come from a verified and credible source? So next time an MLB rumor floods your timeline, take a step back and verify before you react.
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