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Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver is nearing his return to the big-league level. The 23-year-old was selected in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft and quickly developed into a top pitching prospect. Smith-Shawver made his big-league debut in 2023 at just 20 years old and was efficient in limited action.
Unfortunately, during his second year in the big leagues, he suffered a left oblique strain after one scoreless start, missing two months. When he was healthy, the Braves decided to keep him at Triple-A to continue his development.
Then, just as he was ready to rejoin the rotation last year, injury struck again. Smith-Shawver suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow that forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery. Before going down, he had been having a solid season, making nine starts and striking out 42 batters in 44 1/3 innings while posting a 3.86 ERA.
Since then, Smith-Shawver has returned to throwing bullpen sessions and is now ready to take the next step.
"RHP AJ Smith-Shawver tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Augusta. LHP Danny Young's rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett," the team wrote on X.
Also notable in the announcement is left-hander Danny Young being transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett. Once Young returns he should be a capable left-handed option back in the bullpen.
As for Smith-Shawver, starting his rehab at Single-A Augusta means he will almost certainly need several weeks to build back up before being considered for a big-league role. And even once he is fully healthy, it is not clear what role he will have this season.
The Braves currently have a laundry list of capable arms in the starting rotation, and two other young right-handers in JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes will likely be higher on the depth chart when Smith-Shawver is ready.
Still, it is a good problem for Atlanta to have, and getting Smith-Shawver back in the mix only adds to the organizational depth. He also has postseason experience, making a wild card start for the Braves back in 2024, which means he could potentially profile as a high-leverage arm down the road if he works his way back.
His progress throughout the rehab assignment will continue to be monitored, and for a Braves team with World Series aspirations, adding another young arm to the fold is never a bad thing regardless of where he ultimately fits in the hierarchy.
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Unfortunately, during his second year in the big leagues, he suffered a left oblique strain after one scoreless start, missing two months. When he was healthy, the Braves decided to keep him at Triple-A to continue his development.
Then, just as he was ready to rejoin the rotation last year, injury struck again. Smith-Shawver suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow that forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery. Before going down, he had been having a solid season, making nine starts and striking out 42 batters in 44 1/3 innings while posting a 3.86 ERA.
Since then, Smith-Shawver has returned to throwing bullpen sessions and is now ready to take the next step.
"RHP AJ Smith-Shawver tonight begins a rehabilitation assignment with Single-A Augusta. LHP Danny Young's rehab assignment has been transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett," the team wrote on X.
Also notable in the announcement is left-hander Danny Young being transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett. Once Young returns he should be a capable left-handed option back in the bullpen.
As for Smith-Shawver, starting his rehab at Single-A Augusta means he will almost certainly need several weeks to build back up before being considered for a big-league role. And even once he is fully healthy, it is not clear what role he will have this season.
The Braves currently have a laundry list of capable arms in the starting rotation, and two other young right-handers in JR Ritchie and Didier Fuentes will likely be higher on the depth chart when Smith-Shawver is ready.
Still, it is a good problem for Atlanta to have, and getting Smith-Shawver back in the mix only adds to the organizational depth. He also has postseason experience, making a wild card start for the Braves back in 2024, which means he could potentially profile as a high-leverage arm down the road if he works his way back.
His progress throughout the rehab assignment will continue to be monitored, and for a Braves team with World Series aspirations, adding another young arm to the fold is never a bad thing regardless of where he ultimately fits in the hierarchy.
Continue reading...
