Braves Option Top Prospect AJ Smith-Shawver To Minor League Camp – News18

NORTH PORT, Fla.: The Atlanta Braves optioned high prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday, transferring nearer to selecting their pitching employees for opening day.

The transfer was not shocking, given the 21-12 months-outdated proper-hander’s inexperience.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 sport 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 7 2/3 innings — but additionally gave up 12 hits, seven earned runs and two homers.

“I’m not trying to let people score, but thinking about competing and making pitches more than results,” Smith-Shawver mentioned. “You want to make the team and be on the roster, but it’s still early and I need to develop and get better.”

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 Series.

Smith-Shawver went 1-0 with a 4.22 ERA in six Atlanta appearances, together with 5 begins. He’ll possible be one of many high 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.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is revealed from a syndicated information company feed – Associated Press)