After a stellar start, the Braves unexpectedly sent their best pitching prospect to IL.
The news that the Atlanta Braves had lost their best pitching prospect to the disabled list stunned fans on Friday afternoon.
On Thursday at Wrigley Field, AJ Smith-Shawver made a spot start for the Braves and looked excellent on the mound. Despite the windy afternoon in Chicago, AJSS performed admirably in containing the Cubs attack.
During his stint, his fastball velocity hovered around 97 to 99 mph, and his curveball and changeup appeared to be considerably better than they were the previous year. Although he didn’t have a flawless start, he demonstrated that he would be a reliable arm for the latter part of the rotation.
AJ used 87 pitches (55 strikes) in 4.1 scoreless innings, giving up three hits, two walks, and four strikeouts. The youthful righty had a great start to the season and seemed to pitch well enough to warrant a second start for the squad.
Smith-Shawver said following the game, “I really feel like I can finish this.” I have faith in my abilities. All that matters is seizing chances and attempting to maximize them.”
He appeared to belong atop the mound and you could tell he was in excellent spirits. The Cubs were held off the score by Atlanta’s bullpen, resulting in the team’s ninth shutout of the year. With Atlanta’s pitching having the fourth-best ERA in MLB (3.26), they have the most shutouts in Major League MLB.
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