AJ Smith-Shawver was teetering on Atlanta Braves history Monday night, flirting with a no-hitter into the eighth inning and delivering the kind of performance that screams: I’m not going back to Triple-A anytime soon.
In just his second start back with the Braves, the 22-year-old right-hander looked composed and dominant, leading Atlanta to a 4-0 win over the Reds and possibly redefining his role in the Braves’ pitching puzzle.
A Career Night With a Hint of History
Smith-Shawver had never pitched into the eighth inning at any professional level. Not in Double-A, not in Triple-A, and not even in the big leagues.
That changed in emphatic fashion as he plowed through the Reds’ lineup, surrendering only one hit—an eighth-inning leadoff single—alongside four walks and five strikeouts.
“I got a few thank yous to dish out tonight,” he said, nodding to a defense that delivered in full, especially shortstop Nick Allen, who made a couple of Gold Glove-caliber plays to preserve the no-hit bid as long as possible. Behind the plate, Sean Murphy called a near-flawless game. It all clicked.
Even after the dream of a no-hitter evaporated, Smith-Shawver didn’t flinch. He induced a popup and rolled a double play to cruise out of the eighth like a vet. That maturity? It didn’t go unnoticed.
“I loved after the hit how he stayed together and got through that inning,” manager Brian Snitker said. “I think that was really good.”
A Comeback Within a Comeback
This performance wasn’t just about one night—it was a career checkpoint. Smith-Shawver’s young career has already had its share of turbulence.
He’s battled injuries, endured high-pressure postseason moments (Wild Card Series debut), and bounced between Gwinnett and the majors like a yo-yo.
He wasn’t even a sure thing for the rotation coming into Spring Training. But after getting sent down for some early seasoning, he came back up with something to prove.
And now, in just 13 1/3 innings since returning, he’s posted a sparkling 1.35 ERA and shown the grit, stuff, and poise that have defined recent Braves success stories.
A Braves Rotation Anchor in the Making?
Atlanta’s rotation has leaned on young arms over the past few seasons, and that trend isn’t stopping anytime soon.
With Spencer Strider out still and veteran arms needing more stability around them, a dependable, homegrown starter like Smith-Shawver stepping up could make a world of difference.
“He’s been dealt a lot too at a young age,” Snitker said. “Those are the makeup things that you look for in a young guy.”
If this is the turning point—and it certainly feels like it—then Smith-Shawver isn’t just filling a spot. He’s claiming one. And with performances like this, he’s doing it in unforgettable fashion.
