It’s official — AJ Smith-Shawver is back. The Atlanta Braves made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, just in time for the night’s matchup against the Colorado Rockies.
And in a little bit of roster drama (because what’s baseball without it?), the Braves designated righty Ian Anderson for assignment as the corresponding move.
If you’ve been following Braves Twitter — or “X,” as we’re supposed to call it now — you saw MLB.com’s Mark Bowman call this “the expected move.” No surprises there. Smith-Shawver is grabbing the ball for tonight’s start, and let’s be honest, fans are buzzing to see what he brings to the table.
Braves Riding High Entering Big Night Against Rockies
Let’s set the stage — Atlanta is absolutely rolling right now. Winners of eight of their last ten games, the Braves are one victory away from clinching their fourth consecutive series win.
The clubhouse energy is electric, and Smith-Shawver’s return is just the latest spark to keep the fire burning. There’s a real sense that the team is hitting its stride early, setting the tone for a huge summer push.
Smith-Shawver’s journey back hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale, though. After his last MLB start on April 12 (where he didn’t earn a decision, but the Braves still won), he spent about two and a half weeks down at Triple-A Gwinnett. His numbers there? Let’s just say they weren’t exactly eye-popping. A 4.82 ERA at Triple-A raises eyebrows, even if it’s not full-on alarm bells yet.
High Hopes for Smith-Shawver Despite Some Early Bumps
Even with those bumps in the road, Braves fans are pumped. Smith-Shawver remains Atlanta’s top pitching prospect for a reason. His major league numbers so far — 0-2 with a 4.61 ERA and a 1.976 WHIP over three starts — tell a story of growing pains but also flashes of brilliance. Eight walks in 13.2 innings isn’t pretty, but 17 strikeouts? That gets the blood flowing.
There’s no denying his raw talent. Braves fans are betting that with more experience, Smith-Shawver will harness it — and tonight could be the first big step in that direction. It’s the kind of energy and potential that turns a good team into a great one.
Ian Anderson’s Bumpy Road Continues
Meanwhile, Ian Anderson’s situation feels a lot murkier. After being claimed off waivers from the Angels on Sunday, he’s already been designated for assignment again. It’s clear the Braves didn’t bring him back with long-term MLB plans in mind — this was more about organizational depth.
Once a hero in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run, Anderson has seen his career sidetracked by arm injuries and rough outings. His stint with the Angels was brutal, with an 11.57 ERA and a 2.571 WHIP over seven relief appearances.
Now, Atlanta is hoping he clears waivers so they can tuck him into Triple-A Gwinnett for a rebuild. There’s still a glimmer of hope for a second act, but it’s a long way back.
Bottom line? Tonight’s spotlight is on AJ Smith-Shawver. Braves fans are ready, the stage is set, and the energy is undeniable. Let’s see if the kid can light it up.
