NORTH PORT, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves optioned prime prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, transferring nearer to selecting their pitching employees for Opening Day.
The transfer was not stunning, given the 21-year-old right-hander’s inexperience. It clears the way in which for the Braves to select between Bryce Elder and Reynaldo López for the fifth spot within the beginning rotation behind Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Chris Sale and Charlie Morton.
Smith-Shawver was despatched down after giving up seven hits and 4 earned runs in three innings of a spring coaching recreation Sunday in opposition to the New York Yankees. In three begins throughout the exhibition season, he confirmed glimpses of his monumental potential — recording 11 strikeouts in 7â…” innings — but additionally gave up 12 hits, seven earned runs and two homers.
“I am not making an attempt to let individuals rating, however occupied with competing and making pitches greater than outcomes,” Smith-Shawver mentioned. “You need to make the staff and be on the roster, however it’s nonetheless early and I have to develop and get higher.”
The younger pitcher made a meteoric rise via the Braves’ system throughout the 2023 season, beginning out at Class A Rome earlier than ending on the massive league roster for the NL Division Sequence.
Smith-Shawver went 1-0 with a 4.22 ERA in six Atlanta appearances, together with 5 begins. He’ll probably be one of many prime choices to return to the majors if a pitcher is injured or the Braves want an additional starter this season.
In one other transfer Monday, the Braves reassigned catcher Sebastián Rivero to the minor league camp.
