RADIO
PROSPECT: AJ Smith-Shawver, SP, Atlanta Braves
BALLER MOVE: Add or Stream in 14+ Team Leagues
2024 STATS: 1-2, 6.10 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 35 strikeouts at Triple-A Gwinnett
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ANALYSIS: The Braves have activated right-handed starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver from Triple-A Gwinnett to make his 2024 season debut against the Chicago Cubs today at 2:20 PM EST.
Smith-Shawver was a candidate for the fifth spot in the Braves rotation during Spring Training, but Atlanta ultimately went with Reynaldo Lopez. And when Spencer Strider went down early in the season, it was Bryce Elder who then stepped into the fifth starter role. Elder has not pitched well this year, however, opening up an opportunity for Smith-Shawver in the rotation.
This won't be AJ's MLB debut as he was up with the team last year and made five starts in 2023 for the Braves, accumulating a 4.26 ERA and 1.11 WHIP with 20 strikeouts across 25 innings.
The #Braves are calling up top-prospect RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to start tomorrow’s game against the Cubs, per @DOBrienATL
Smith-Shawver, 21, is MLB Pipeline’s 58th-ranked prospect. pic.twitter.com/PyxBqfeavI
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) May 23, 2024
Smith-Shawver's numbers in the minors this season aren't all that great, but he does bring a healthy 25% strikeout rate with him today. He will need to throw strikes to be effective, however, and control has been an issue for him as he had a 10% walk rate last year in the majors and has a 12% walk rate so far at Triple-A.
He clearly has good stuff but will need to demonstrate some improved command and keep the ball in the ballpark (as home runs have also been an issue) if he wants to stick in the rotation this time around. There is certainly potential there and at only 8% rostered in Yahoo leagues he's easily available to be picked up in deeper formats.
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