AJ Smith-Shawver: The New Star of the Braves’ Rotation
The young pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver is establishing himself as an emerging force in the Atlanta Braves’ rotation. His recent performance has generated expectations and has highlighted his talent on the mound.
The Braves’ rotation is about to get a significant boost with the return of Spencer Strider from the injured list.
After Smith-Shawver allowed just two hits and no earned runs in six innings during the Braves’ 5-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Thursday, manager Brian Snitker announced that Strider will return to the rotation when Atlanta plays in Washington next week.
We’re not sure what game.
Brian Snitker
Snitker did not specify how the Braves will create a spot for Strider, who pitched a five-inning simulated game at Truist Park on Wednesday. The right-handed pitcher was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 21 due to a right hamstring strain.
The hamstring injury occurred after Strider completed his return from ulnar collateral ligament surgery on his right elbow on April 12, 2024. He was an All-Star in 2023, when he finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting, with a 20-5 record, a 3.86 ERA, and 281 strikeouts, the most in the league.
Strider pitched five innings in a 3-1 loss to Toronto on April 16 in his first game after surgery. Then, his return was cut short by the hamstring injury.
Smith-Shawver, 22, has been dominant since his Triple-A Gwinnett call-up on April 29. Although it’s unclear how the Braves will make room for Strider, Smith-Shawver has proven to be one of the team’s most outstanding starters.
For me, it’s really about trusting my material.
AJ Smith-Shawver
Smith-Shawver (3-2) has allowed one earned run in 19 2/3 innings in his last three starts, lowering his ERA to 2.33. The right-hander was on the verge of throwing a no-hitter until the eighth inning in the 4-0 victory over Cincinnati on May 5. Snitker commented that Thursday’s performance, which included six strikeouts, “could have been better.”
Very impressive.
Brian Snitker
Smith-Shawver has won his last three decisions and is one of the main reasons the Braves (22-22) returned to .500 for the second time in three days after losing their first seven games of the season.
The rotation has also included Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes, and Bryce Elder. After Thursday’s game, Elder was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López was shut down for 12 weeks last month after undergoing surgery on his inflamed right shoulder, but could return in the second half of the season.
Snitker stated that a six-man rotation “is not feasible” when the team has off days.
Smith-Shawver says he’s aware the team could face a surplus of starting pitchers.
Those decisions are always difficult. When they tell you to throw the ball, you throw the ball and enjoy it.
AJ Smith-Shawver
