AJ Smith-Shawver to start Wednesday for Braves

Bowman reports that Herick Hernandez is meant to start for Triple-A Gwinnett tonight now in lieu of Smith-Shawver, which would free him up to be recalled and pitch in the big leagues tomorrow. Rumored to return to the majors since his season debut against the Mets three weeks ago, he has 13 strikeouts, four walks, and allowed two earned runs over 11 innings in two starts since. He’d be moderately interesting if or when he’s formally promoted.

Smith-Shawver has allowed just two runs while recording a 13/4 K/BB ratio across 11 innings in a pair of starts since being sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett in late July. He allowed two runs over 4 1/3 innings during his season debut back on July 29. Weiss added that he doesn’t want to move to a six-man rotation, so they’re going to have to make a decision with the rest of their established arms before bringing Smith-Shawver back in the near future. He’s worthy of a speculative roster spot in deeper mixed leagues based on his prospect pedigree and recent performance.

The Braves are going to have some tough decisions to make in the near future since Smith-Shawver has spent more than 15 days back in the minors since being demoted last month. The 23-year-old former top prospet could make his next start for Atlanta early next week, depending on how they want to construct their rotation for the final six weeks of the season. He’s looked sharp in his return from last year’s Tommy John surgery and is worthy of a speculative stash in deeper mixed leagues.

He also struck out six and walked four while throwing 55 of his 89 pitches for strikes. Smith-Shawver was used as the 27th man in the Braves’ doubleheader last week, which meant he headed back to the minors after the game. The Braves kept him on schedule during a trade deadline in which they tried to trade for Jacob deGrom and Logan Webb. Considering the Braves only came away with Tyler Mahle, Smith-Shawver still has a clear path to a rotation spot. The expectation is that he may make one more start in Triple-A to continue shaking some of the rust, and then he should be up in the big leagues for the remainder of the season.

Smith-Shawver heads back to the minors after allowing two runs over 4 1/3 innings during his season debut against the Mets in the opening contest of Wednesday’s doubleheader. There was some hope that he would stick around after serving as the club’s 27th man for the twin bill. The 23-year-old former prospect showed some intriguing stuff in his return from last year’s Tommy John surgery, flashing a mid-to-upper 90’s heater with a much harder splitter and slider combination. There’s enough intrigue here that fantasy managers should keep him on their watch lists heading into the final two months. It’s possible he’s brought back to the big leagues to take the ball against the Marlins next week.

Smith-Shawver got the ball for Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader, striking out four while walking two. He threw 69 pitches, including 43 for strikes. His four-seamer averaged 97.2 mph, topping out at 99.6. It remains to be seen how Atlanta will handle his workload the rest of the season, including when he pitches again. Monday’s trade deadline could also shake up the team’s rotation. His next start lines up at home against the Marlins if he stays on schedule.

He’ll serve as the 27th man and start Game 1 in Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Mets. By using him as the 27th man, the Braves won’t need to wait 15 days to recall him from the minors. That likely means that he will head back to Triple-A after this start so that the Braves can keep another reliever. We would then fully expect Smith-Shawver to come back up and join the rotation full time for his next start.

Chris Sale, who was supposed to start on Tuesday before the game was postponed, will start Game 2 of the doubleheader on Wednesday, but the Braves have not yet listed a starter for Game 1. It seems that Smith-Shawver, who threw 86 pitches on Thursday in his last rehab start for Triple-A Gwinnett, will be an option. That would either push Grant Holmes to Thursday or move him out of the rotaiton.

Smith-Shawver struck out five and walked one while throwing 54 of his 86 pitches for strikes. The 23-year-old averaged 97.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, which is up two mph from what we’re used to seeing. His slider was also up four mph, so there may have been a hot gun at the stadium, but he posted a 22 percent whiff rate overall in what was a solid outing. He should be up in the Braves rotation next week and is probably worth a stash in all 15-team leagues. You can wait and see in 12-team leagues if you wanted.

Smith-Shawver scattered four hits, and he averaged 96.9 mph on his fastball while touching 99 with the heater. The right-hander has looked sharp in his rehab appearances, and while he likely needs at least one more minor-league outing as he rebuilds his strength, there’s a very good chance the talented 23-year-old is ready to roll at some point near August.