Before today’s game against the Rays, the Braves announced that they had optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to the minors. This move created space for righty Michael Petersen to join the roster. However, the more significant implication of Smith-Shawver’s departure is the upcoming shift in the Braves’ rotation. As reported by several sources, including David O’Brien of The Athletic, Smith-Shawver’s exit paves the way for the return of right-hander Spencer Strider to the rotation on April 16 against the Blue Jays in Toronto.
Strider, 26, has been sidelined for over a year after undergoing internal brace surgery on his UCL early last season. Despite having only two full MLB seasons under his belt, in 2022 and 2023, Strider posted a 3.36 ERA, a 2.43 FIP, and a remarkable 37.4% strikeout rate. These impressive numbers earned him a second-place finish in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, an All-Star selection, and a fourth-place finish in the NL Cy Young voting.
His highly anticipated return comes at a critical time for the Braves, who are struggling with a 4-11 record to start the season. The team’s rotation has faced challenges, including the loss of Reynaldo Lopez to shoulder surgery for most of the season and Chris Sale’s struggles with a 6.63 ERA. Strider’s return marks the end of Smith-Shawver’s brief stint in the rotation. Over three starts, Smith-Shawver posted a 4.61 ERA and a 4.16 FIP, with a solid 26.2% strikeout rate but concerns about his 12.3% walk rate.
This led the Braves to stick with Bryce Elder in the rotation, despite his struggles (7.20 ERA in two starts). For now, Elder will team up with Grant Holmes at the back of the rotation, while Smith-Shawver, Hurston Waldrep, and Dylan Dodd are available in Triple-A if needed.
Additionally, the Braves may soon receive another reinforcement from Triple-A. O’Brien reports that outfielder Alex Verdugo is likely to be called up soon. Verdugo, who was signed to a $1.5 million deal three weeks ago, has been in the minors after missing much of Spring Training. His call-up became more likely after Jurickson Profar’s 80-game suspension due to a failed PED test.
Verdugo’s experience in left field could provide a boost to the Braves’ outfield mix, which has been relying on Jarred Kelenic, Stuart Fairchild, and Bryan De La Cruz while Ronald Acuña Jr. recovers from a torn ACL. Verdugo had a solid run with the Red Sox before a down year with the Yankees last season, and his addition should help improve the outfield as the Braves deal with ongoing injuries. Whether Verdugo will be called up for the series against the Blue Jays or later for the Twins series remains to be seen.
