Change of plans for Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver

Quick change of plans for Atlanta Braves pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver. The Braves called him up and he’s headed to Arizona to join the team.

Smith-Shawver was originally scheduled to play for Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday night. The initial reports came from Jason Reese on X.

“AJ Smith-Shawver, who was scheduled to begin his rehab with the Gwinnett Stripers tonight, is headed to Arizona!” Reese wrote. “I believe it’s due to the lack of manpower in the bullpen.”

The news was confirmed by Justin Toscano, Braves reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It appears he will also be joining the Braves’ bullpen.

However, it is not yet known if he will be present for Tuesday night’s game. Regardless, the Braves have the right to remove a player from the long-term injured list.

Smith-Shawver has been out since late May with a left oblique sprain.

In his start for the Braves this season, he pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three hits, two walks and four strikeouts. He had just been recalled from Triple-A prior to this start.

In seven career MLB games, he has a 3.64 ERA with 24 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings of work.

Smith-Shawver made one appearance for the Rome Braves on July 3. He pitched two innings, allowing just one hit, a solo home run and striking out four batters. It was his first appearance in a game since his injury.

Smith-Shawver’s call-up follows a series of roster moves the Braves made just a day ago. The Braves recalled Bryce Elder to start Monday night’s game and sent reliever Dylan Lee to Triple-A.

Other recent moves include the reinstatement of outfielder Eddie Rosario to the Braves’ lineup.

The Braves continue their four-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night. Chris Sale will start the game. First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 p.m. EST.