Atlanta Braves News: Max Fried, AJ Smith-Shawver cruises Thursday, more

AJ Smith-Shawver is called up to make his first major championship start of the season on Thursday. I have some concerns about this for AJ, as I mentioned in a quick post (one of our new features if you missed it). He gave up quite a few walks and home runs in AAA this season. While he’s likely reduced his slider usage to expand on his other pitches and has seen a slight increase in velocity, as Garrett points out in his own quick article, I’d like to see him ideally spend a little more time on the farm, especially with him. still being so young and inexperienced as a pitcher. That being said, this makes a lot of sense logistically, as the team needed a starter for Thursday and Friday, following Bryce Elder’s option and flexibility in a Monday doubleheader. This now allows Smith-Shawver to start Thursday and Darius Vines (who is already on the active roster) to start Friday, assuming he is not needed to cover many innings on Thursday.

Braves News

AJ Smith-Shawver gets the call to start Thursday’s game against the Cubs. AJ has been shaky in the minors this season, but he’s the organization’s top prospect for a reason.

Max Fried absolutely dominated a complete game three-hitter against the Cubs and the offense actually showed up in a big way to back him up, scoring 9 runs.

Jackson Stephens returned to the Braves organization on Wednesday after earlier being declared an outright free agent.

Braves Podcasts

MLB News

The Mariners traded a AAA catcher (who hits pretty well there and only 25) to the Orioles for recently DFA reliever Mike Baumann.

Baltimore starter John Means is being evaluated for elbow soreness after leaving Wednesday’s game early due to discomfort.

Xander Bogaerts fractured his shoulder against the Braves and will go on the IL, missing significant time with the injury.