The NL Wild Card race is fiercely close right now, and the Braves are in the thick of it. The Braves could sit back and point the finger at the injuries that have kept several of their best players out of the lineup, but they still have to win games to qualify for the postseason. Anything can happen in October, as the Texas Rangers and the Arizona Diamondbacks demonstrated to us last season.
The Braves need to add to their rotation of pitchers, and AJ Smith-Shawver, the team’s top prospect, could be the best candidate.
The manner the top prospect has been playing has also been greatly influenced by Atlanta Braves Harrison Smajovits on SI.
Following a rough appearance in which he gave up five earned runs, Smith-Shawver has maintained a 2.62 ERA since August 17. Another noteworthy thing is that he gives up very few baserunners while he is scoreless. Although he still has to improve at bailing out of a jam, Smajovits observed, “We’re seeing him start to limit baserunners in the first place more often.”
Nonetheless, Smith-Shawver still raises a few very major red flags.The Braves should exercise caution as AJ Smith-Shawver approaches his major league comeback.
Prior to Atlanta selecting adolescent Cam Caminiti in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Smith-Shawver was the Braves’ best prospect.
When Smith-Shawver is able to remain on the field, he has had great success at every stage of his professional career. His health has been his main problem, particularly in the major levels.
A few innings into his first 2024 start, the righty was expected to take over in the starting rotation. However, he sustained a lower-body injury, and he hasn’t returned to the major leagues since.
All season long, he has struggled with ailments that have prevented him from being a surefire member of the Braves rotation. But alternatives are running short for Atlanta.
As a player, Smith-Shawver is prepared. To stay in the major leagues, all he needs is his physique and health.
