JULY 31, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM
AJ SMITH-SHAWVER #32 - PITCHER - ATLANTA BRAVES
0-0 W-L •
1.15 WHIP •
0.00 ERA
0-0 W-L
1.15 WHIP
0.00 ERA
David O'Brien: AJ out, A.J. in: The Braves reinstated lefty... - The Athletic AJ out, A.J. in: The Braves reinstated lefty reliever A.J. Minter from the 15-day IL and optioned rookie AJ Smith-Shawver, who pitched well...
Returns to Triple-A Atlanta optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Impact As anticipated, Smith-Shawver was just up with Atlanta for a spot start after he was recalled ahead of Sunday's game against the Brewers. Though Atlanta came away with an 8-6 victory, Smith-Shawver was denied the win after tossing five innings and giving up three hits and four hits and four walks. Atlanta is set to return Max Fried (forearm) from the 60-day injured list Friday or Saturday to fill the vacant spot in the rotation, but Smith-Shawver could be back with the big club as soon as next week, when a temporary sixth starter will be needed for the Aug. 12 doubleheader with the Mets.
JULY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Struggles with command in return Smith-Shawver did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks over five innings in an 8-6 win over the Brewers. He struck out three.
Impact Smith-Shawver issued a season-high four walks in his first MLB start since June 23. While the 20-year-old right-hander was largely able to limit the damage, he'd ultimately get stuck with a no-decision. Smith-Shawver has been decent through five major-league starts, pitching to a 4.57 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP and 18:10 K:BB across 21.2 innings. However, he'll likely head back to the minors as Max Fried (forearm) is expected to return to Atlanta's rotation next week.
JULY 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Called up ahead of start Atlanta recalled Smith-Shawver from Triple-A Gwinnett ahead of his scheduled start Sunday versus the Brewers at Truist Park.
Impact The highly touted rookie is likely just making a spot start for Atlanta, as the team is expected to get Max Fried (forearm) back from the 60-day injured list next week to permanently fill the vacant fifth spot in the rotation. In his first stint with the big club before he was demoted to Gwinnett on June 26, Smith-Shawver made four appearances (three starts) and turned in a 1-0 record, 4.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB across 16.2 innings.
JULY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
David O'Brien: AJ Smith-Shawver was recalled to start Sunday's... - The Athletic AJ Smith-Shawver was recalled to start Sunday’s game against Milwaukee, and lefty reliever Taylor Hearn was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett af...
JULY 30, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Rejoining Atlanta rotation Sunday Manager Brian Snitker said Smith-Shawver will be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to start Sunday's game against the Brewers, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Impact Smith-Shawver was demoted in late June after making four starts in the majors, and he'll rejoin Atlanta's rotation for Sunday's series finale versus Milwaukee. The 20-year-old had a 4.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB across 16.2 frames in his first taste of the big leagues, and he pitched well in his past two starts for Gwinnett with two runs allowed and 10 strikeouts over nine innings, though he also issued seven walks. Max Fried (forearm) is nearing his return from the injured list, which could mean it's a short stay in the majors for Smith-Shawver
JULY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
AJ Smith-Shawver picks up first Triple-A victory AJ Smith-Shawver won his first Triple-A game as the right-hander pitched five innings in the Gwinnett Stripers 6-2 win over the Norfolk Tide...
JULY 23, 2023 • AJC.COM
Demoted to minors Atlanta optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.
Impact Though Smith-Shawver was fast-tracked to the big leagues after he began the season at High-A Rome and pitched just 19 innings above the Double-A level, Atlanta evidently decided that the 20-year-old needed some more seasoning in the minors. Over his three starts and one extended relief appearance, Smith-Shawver struck out 15 batters in 16.2 innings and submitted a 1.14 WHIP, but he was stung by the long ball, as he allowed five home runs during that stretch. Atlanta called up Dereck Rodriguez from Gwinnett in a corresponding move to give the club a fresh relief arm heading into a three-game series with Minnesota, but Michael Soroka is likely to be called up from Gwinnett on Wednesday to start against the Twins in what would have been Smith-Shawver's turn through the rotation, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
JUNE 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Only 3.1 innings in Cincinnati Smith-Shawver did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks over 3.1 innings against the Reds. He struck out four.
Impact Atlanta staked Smith-Shawver to an early 5-0 lead, but the right-hander gave it all back before exiting with one out in the fourth. He served up three home runs, more than he allowed in his first three appearances combined (two). It was an outing to forget in one of the game's most hitter-friendly parks, but Smith-Shawver still has a 4.32 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 16.2 total innings -- impressive for a 20-year-old in his first exposure to big-league hitters. He tentatively lines up to face the Twins at home next week.
JUNE 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Wednesday start postponed Smith-Shawver won't start Wednesday against Philadelphia as scheduled because the game has been postponed due to rain, Matt Gelb of The Athletic reports.
Impact The game will be made up Sept. 11 while Smith-Shawver's start will presumably be pushed back to Thursday. The 20-year-old righty has allowed three earned runs through 13.1 innings to begin his MLB career.
JUNE 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Picks up first MLB win Smith-Shawver (1-0) earned the win Thursday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk over 5.2 innings against the Rockies. He struck out six.
Impact Smith-Shawver was impressive Thursday, allowing just one run on an Elias Diaz solo home run in the second inning. Through his first two starts (13.1 innings), Smith-Shawver has a 2.03 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 11:4 K:BB after pitching to a 1.09 ERA in 33 innings in Triple-A. He's certainly earned a spot in Atlanta's rotation while Max Fried (forearm) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) are sidelined. Smith-Shawver tentatively lines up for a road matchup with the Phillies in his next outing.
JUNE 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
David O'Brien: AJ Smith-Shawver got his first MLB win in his... - The Athletic AJ Smith-Shawver got his first MLB win in his second start, limiting Colorado to 6 hits, 3 runs w/ 1 walk, 6 Ks, 2 HRs in 99 pitches, his hi...
JUNE 16, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Ozzie Albies, AJ Smith-Shawver lead the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Rockies
Ozzie Albies had three hits and three RBIs, and the Atlanta Braves beat the Colorado Rockies 8-3 to give 20-year-old rookie AJ Smith-Shawver his first major league winJUNE 16, 2023 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Receives another start Smith-Shawver is scheduled to make his next start Wednesday versus the Tigers in Detroit, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.
Impact The 20-year-old rookie will receive a second turn through the rotation after he held his own during his first MLB start this past Friday versus the Nationals, covering 5.1 innings and striking out two while allowing two unearned runs on three hits and two walks. Due to Smith-Shawver's age, Atlanta will almost certainly manage his innings to some degree this season, but he should have some stability in the big-league rotation while Max Fried (forearm) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) are both likely several weeks away from returning from the injured list.
JUNE 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Impressive in first start Smith-Shawver didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 3-2 win over the Nationals, allowing two unearned runs on three hits and two walks over 5.1 innings. He struck out two.
Impact A year ago at this time, Smith-Shawver was a teenager at Single-A just trying to harness his plus stuff and find the plate often enough to be effective. Friday, he made his first career big-league start and consistently dotted the inside corners of the strike zone with mid-90s heat while generating weak contact that his defense has some trouble corralling. The 20-year-old didn't show the dominance he'd displayed earlier this season as he made a rapid ascent through Atlanta's system, but that should come as he gets more comfortable in the majors. With Max Fried (forearm) and Kyle Wright (shoulder) out until at least the All-Star break, Smith-Shawver appears to be in line for a long look in the rotation, with his next outing potentially coming next week in Detroit.
JUNE 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Streaking Braves rally late for another win as AJ Smith-Shawver excels in first MLB start Though he didn’t show it, Smith-Shawver said there was plenty of emotion roiling beneath his cool exterior on the mound.
JUNE 10, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Braves: Setting realistic expectations for AJ Smith-Shawver's first start AJ Smith-Shawver, who started the season in Single-A, is making his first MLB start with the Braves on Friday. But what should fans expect?...
JUNE 9, 2023 • FANSIDED.COM
Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver set to face Nats in first start Three months ago, 20-year-old right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver was on the roster for the Class-A Rome Braves.
JUNE 9, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM
First MLB start Friday Smith-Shawver will make his first major-league start Friday against the Nationals, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Impact Smith-Shawver worked 2.1 hitless innings of relief in his big-league debut Sunday versus the Diamondbacks and will now officially step into Atlanta's rotation for the recently-demoted Michael Soroka. The 20-year-old right-hander was a seventh-round pick out of high school in 2021 and had exploded to the tune of a 1.09 ERA with 45 strikeouts through 33 innings (seven starts) this season between High-A Rome, Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett. He's a must-add for a favorable matchup in Atlanta against the visiting Nats.
JUNE 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Set for first MLB start Atlanta general manager Alex Anthopoulos confirmed Tuesday that Smith-Shawver will make his first major-league start this weekend against the Nationals, Jeff Schultz of the Atlanta...
Impact The start will either be Friday or Saturday. Whatever the case, it's a highly favorable matchup for the young right-hander at home in Truist Park. Smith-Shawver fanned three batters over 2.1 hitless innings of relief in his MLB debut Sunday at Arizona, building on the 1.09 ERA and 45:12 K:BB he had compiled through 33 innings (seven starts) this season in the minors. The young right-hander should be rostered everywhere as he slides into Atlanta's rotation following the Monday demotion of Michael Soroka.
JUNE 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Could make start this weekend Smith-Shawver could make a start for Atlanta on Friday or Saturday versus the Nationals, Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports.
Impact Michael Soroka was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett earlier Monday, freeing up a spot in the rotation. Smith-Shawver made his major-league debut in relief Sunday in Arizona after Soroka struggled and the rookie fired 2.1 scoreless frames with three strikeouts. The 20-year-old barely has more than 100 professional innings under his belt, but his upside warrants rostership in most leagues.
JUNE 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Dazzles in big-league debut Smith-Shawver walked one and struck out three in 2.1 scoreless, no-hit innings of relief during Sunday's win over the Diamondbacks.
Impact Stepping on the mound in a big-league game for the very first time, Smith-Shawver showed little in the way of nerves and fired 22 of 39 pitches for strikes while topping out at 97.1 mph with his four-seam fastball. The 20-year-old right-hander began the season at High-A before rocketing through Atlanta's system, and while he may be in a low-leverage role at the moment, it's worth noting the team had Spencer Strider in a similar long-relief role for his first 11 appearances in 2022 before shifting him into the rotation. If Atlanta follows a similar plan with Smith-Shawver, he could be on track to take on a much bigger assignment after the All-Star break.
JUNE 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
David O'Brien: AJ Smith-Shawver, the 20-year-old Braves... - The Athletic AJ Smith-Shawver, the 20-year-old Braves prospect, impressed in his MLB debut Sunday, retiring 7 of 8 Dbacks (three Ks) after entering at th...
JUNE 4, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM
Selected to MLB roster Atlanta selected Smith-Shawver's contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday.
Impact Smith-Shawver has ascended to the MLB level at the ripe age of 20 after dominating to the tune of a 1.09 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 45:12 K:BB in 33 innings (seven starts) this season between High-A, Double-A and Triple-A. The young right-hander has never worked out of the bullpen in his pro career, but that seems to be the role he'll fill for the NL East leaders. Lucas Luetge was designated for assignment in a corresponding move.
MAY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
Impressing with Gwinnett Smith-Shawver gave up two runs on four hits and three walks over seven innings for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday. He struck out eight.
Impact The 20-year-old right-hander has finally been tagged for some runs -- four in 12 Triple-A innings -- after firing 21 scoreless frames between High-A and Double-A to begin the season, but Smith-Shawver is still having little trouble dominating minor-league hitters. Thursday's seven innings represented his longest start of the year, and across all three levels he sports a 45:12 K:BB through 33 frames. The 2021 seventh-round pick has taken a massive leap forward this year while flashing two plus pitches in his fastball and slider, and a big-league debut later in the summer can't be ruled out if he continues to impress.
MAY 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE
