Smith-Shawver makes case for postseason rotation spot with strong start vs. LA
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ATLANTA -- AJ Smith-Shawver wouldn’t be the Braves’ Game 2 starter if the playoffs started next week. But it looks like he’ll be a top candidate for that assignment by the time the postseason arrives.
“I’m excited he’s back in the mix here because he’s going to help us,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said.
Making just his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery, Smith-Shawver helped the Braves claim a potentially pivotal 6-5 walk-off win over the Dodgers on Wednesday night at Truist Park. His encouraging five-inning effort was backed by his catcher Sean Murphy, who doubled and homered in a three-hit performance as Atlanta claimed a third straight win.
Dylan Lee didn’t retire any of the four batters he faced in the Dodgers’ game-tying two-run seventh. But Didier Fuentes and Victor Mederos combined to keep Los Angeles scoreless the rest of the way, setting the stage for Ha-Seong Kim to deliver a game-ending two-out single to right field off Tanner Scott.
By winning the first two games of this three-game set, the Braves have clinched the season series against the Dodgers, meaning they would win any potential tiebreakers between the two teams. This is important because Atlanta (78-55) is now just two games behind Los Angeles (80-53) in the battle for the second of the National League’s two available byes.