Two Triple-A starts are in the books for Atlanta Braves right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver. At least two starts were expected, and he’s been sharp in both. Now, the focus shifts to what the next plan for him will be.
Confidence in his abilities aren’t absent when discussing the possibilities. It’s also clear that his return will be sooner rather than later.
“I think he’s a guy that can move the needle for us,” Weiss said to the media on Wednesday. “With his talent. With his arm. So, we’ll just have to decide what that looks like – when it happens. But he’s certainly on the cusp there of coming back to us here.”
He’s eligible to be recalled from the Triple-A this week, meaning his next start could be with Atlanta. There isn’t much of an indication that they feel it would be best that his next start should be down in Triple-A. However, we’ll see what they ultimately decide for him.
In 11 Triple-A innings across two starts since he pitched for the Braves in a doubleheader last month, Smith-Shawver has pitched to a 1.64 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP with 13 strikeouts. His last outing saw him toss 5 1/3 scoreless innings.
Apart from getting more efficient, he threw 95 pitched to get an out into the sixth inning, there doesn’t much that the 23-year-old righty still needs to iron out before coming back up. Major league bats may be what would provide a next serious test for him.
What seems certain is that Weiss isn’t in favor of six-man rotation when Smith-Shawver returns. Somebody is likely heading to the bullpen when that time comes.
“I think it sounds good in theory, and it makes sense in theory,” Weiss said. “But you got to remember the trade-off for that. You’re shorthanded in the pen now, and so, you can do it for a start, but to do it for any length of time is nearly impossible.”
With the currently cap that there is on the number of pitchers that a team can have on a roster, there is a point to be made. Six starters means only seven relievers. An extra guy who can only be available every six or so days means more chess to be played with determining fresh arms.
Another factor that needs to be considered is Reynaldo López, who will also need a rotation spot when he gets healthy soon. He is working his way back from a knee injury on the 15-day injured list. Two arms will have to move to the bullpen. Neither has options, so that’s really the only option that they have for either.
The most likely candidates to move to the bullpen are Grant Holmes and MartÃn Pérez. They’ve pitched out of the bullpen for the team this season. As strong as they have looked, moving either may not be the most logical move. Still, precedent points to them being the odd men out.
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