NEW YORK -- The Braves are keeping tabs on Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb and other top starters who might be available before Monday’s Trade Deadline. But in the meantime, they are going to fortify their rotation with the return of AJ Smith-Shawver.
The Braves haven’t officially named a starting pitcher for the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Mets. But a source said the ball will be given to Smith-Shawver, who will be making his first start since tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on May 29, 2025.
With Tuesday night’s rainout, the Braves opted to shuffle their rotation plans. Tuesday’s scheduled starter, Chris Sale, will start Wednesday’s nightcap. Smith-Shawver will get the nod instead of Wednesday’s originally scheduled starter Grant Holmes in Game 1.
Smith-Shawver is a former top prospect who has the potential to be the frontline starter the Braves need to pair with the Cy Young Award candidate Sale. The rotation has been rocked by injuries suffered by Hurston Waldrep and Spencer Strider, both of whom are doubtful to return to a starting role this year. There is still at least a chance Spencer Schwellenbach could return at some point.
As for Smith-Shawver, he’s now at the end of the long recovery he faced after undergoing the internal brace procedure, which provides a shorter recovery timetable than Tommy John surgery. The 23-year-old hurler posted a 1.53 ERA while combining to make five starts for Single-A Augusta and Triple-A Gwinnett over the past few weeks.
Smith-Shawver didn’t complete five innings in any of his rehab starts. He threw 72 pitches while keeping Triple-A Toledo scoreless for 4 1/3 innings on July 18. He then totaled 86 pitches while throwing four innings with one unearned run allowed against Iowa on Thursday.
Smith-Shawver’s four-seam fastball averaged 97.5 mph during his most recent start. He induced a whiff with four of 13 swings against his splitter. His fastball averaged 95.6 mph in the nine starts he made for Atlanta last year.
Smith-Shawver posted a 2.33 ERA in the first seven starts he made for the Braves in 2025. He allowed seven earned runs over three innings against the Nationals in his eighth start and then felt something pop in his elbow during the third inning of his next start against the Phillies.