TheAtlanta Braves have enjoyed watching the rotationsuddenly stabilize itself after watching the last month of underwhelming performances for any pitcher not named Chris Sale. This has included great games from Grant Holmes, Martin Perez, and Bryce Elder over the last week, with each starter putting their best effort forward to spark a winning streak and hand Atlanta reason to defend itself for opting not to add to the rotation ahead of this year's trade deadline.
Added into the mix is current Gwinnett Stripers starter AJ Smith-Shawver, with whom the Braves are taking an understandably cautious approach, with as the young starter is coming off Tommy John surgery. Still, there is no denying that both in the minor leagues and in his lone Braves appearance, the obvious talent is present.
Smith-Shawver has top-of-the-rotation ability with an elite mix of pitches that are more than capable of making an impact in a potential postseason run. As soon as the starter is able to return to the big league roster there is every reason to believe that a promotion is happening with the hope that Smith-Shawver can become the team's second option behind Sale.
As things currently stand, it would likely be Bryce Elder getting the second start in a postseason series, with the third starter being a complete mystery. Spencer Strider, Spencer Schwellenbach, and Hurston Waldrep all remain question marks due to injuries, while the current rotation pieces hardly inspire a high degree of postseason confidence.
Braves Could Find Surprise Postseason Option Amid AJ Smith-Shawver's Impressive Return
Smith-Shawver has the door firmly open to grab a role not only in the final month of the season, but also a chance to earn a postseason roster spot. It makes sense when you're looking at the team's current options and considering who has the stuff needed to be capable of shutting down a postseason lineup and giving the Braves a great chance.
It will be interesting to see how the Braves manage the current options as they have shuffled through a number of starters amid injuries and season struggles at the position. While that appears to have been corrected for the time being, the postseason is a different animal, and Smith-Shawver gives you a great chance to find a piece capable of pushing other teams off guard.
With this in mind, there is every reason to keep a close eye on the young starter with the Stripers and during his inevitable return to the active roster. All in hopes that you can find a piece capable of elevating the Braves' chances come postseason time.
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