Change of Plans: 21-years old brilliant pitcher re-joins the Braves

Yesterday, AJ Smith-Shawver was set to pitch his second rehab assignment start for the Gwinnett Stripers, but those plans have changed. He is now headed to Arizona and will join the Braves’ active roster.

Smith-Shawver last pitched for the Braves on May 23rd, marking his first start of the season for the major-league team, where he delivered an impressive performance, allowing no runs over 4.1 innings. Unfortunately, he was soon placed on the IL with an oblique injury.

On July 3rd, Smith-Shawver began his rehab assignment in High-A Rome, pitching a couple of innings with one run allowed and four strikeouts. He was initially scheduled to continue his rehab assignment with Gwinnett this evening, but the Braves have decided to change course, suggesting he will be used in relief if needed. He likely hasn’t built up enough stamina to start a game right now.

This raises the question of how the Braves see Smith-Shawver contributing to the team this season. It’s hard to imagine they would want to stall his development as a starting pitcher so early in his career, but they may believe his skills could be more beneficial out of the bullpen during the stretch run. It’s an intriguing decision, and more details about the team’s strategy will likely emerge before tonight’s game against the Diamondbacks.