chen signed with the atlanta braves as an amateur free agent on july 1, 1993. he made the south atlantic league all-star team in 1997 when he went 12-7 with a 3.51 era in 28 starts for the macon braves. in 1998 he made 23 starts for the greenville braves and was 13-7 with a 3.29 era. he was selected by the southern league as an all-star and the most outstanding pitcher. he was also a double-a all-star, baseball america minor league all-star and the braves minor league pitcher of the year.