AJ Smith-Shawver

12 mars 2025

Still in mix for rotation spot

Smith-Shawver has a 3.38 ERA and 10:3 K:BB through eight Grapefruit League innings this spring as he attempts to win a spot in Atlanta's Opening Day rotation.

Analyse

Grant Holmes and Ian Anderson were viewed as the favorites for the final two spots coming into camp, as both are out of minor-league options. Anderson has struggled to find the plate, however, stumbling to a 5:9 K:BB in his eight spring innings, although he's minimized the damage by giving up just two hits. If Atlanta eventually decides Anderson isn't up to the task, it could open the door for the 22-year-old Smith-Shawver to break camp on the 26-man roster. More likely, the young righty will return to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he posted a 4.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 104:40 K:BB over 87 innings in 2024.