Atlanta Braves Pitcher Chasen Shreve Talks On Being Called Up
By Jeff Schafer
Seven days after his 24th birthday, Chasen Shreve was wearing an Atlanta Braves jersey for his first time in his young career. Chasen turned 24-years-old on July 12th. He was drafted by the Braves in 2010 with their 11th round draft pick.
Shreve was pitching for the Mississippi Braves in 2014 with a 3-2 record and a 2.48 ERA. He’s added seven saves to his stats this year (a career high).
After a game in Birmingham on Friday night, the management staff called the players back to the locker room for an announcement.
“They called us into the locker room after the game,” Shreve told reports, “and told us we’re going to need to improve the bullpen because Shreve is leaving, he’s going to the big leagues tomorrow. It was an awesome experience, everyone just kept giving me hugs.”
Hugs you say…you’ll fit nicely here in Atlanta.
“I got on a flight in this morning (Saturday) and it’s just an awesome experience to be here.”
Chasen has never pitched above the Double-A leagues but that doesn’t intimidate him nor the Braves.
“Shae Simmons obviously got called up and is doing well but he was dominant all year so it was a little surprising I got called up but I’m glad to be here.”
Shreve was thrown right in the mix on Saturday as he came in to close out the 7th inning and then pitched the first out in the 8th inning. He gave up two hits and struck out one batter without allowing a run.
“It’s a little breathtaking, I know a lot of the guys here so it should be fun. Hopefully I can help the team out.
His first batter he faced in his career…? Ryan Howard…and he struck him out swinging to end the 7th inning. Then in the 8th, he gave up a single to Marlon Byrd, was able to get Cody Asche out on a bunt groundout and gave up a single to Domonic Brown.
Though Chasen pitched to sound right handers on Saturday, it sounds like he knows his role moving forward. Hopefully the Braves and Fredi can use him in more situations.
“I have a fastball and changup so lefty on lefty I guess is what my role is but we’ll see what happens,” Chasen said. “I just want to help the team out and get the lefties out.”