Atlanta Braves rookie starter AJ Smith-Shawver has been one of the team's most exciting stories of the 2025 season. However, there is no getting around just how ugly the starter's last outing was against the Washington Nationals. It taxed the Atlanta bullpen, with Smith-Shawver only able to get nine outs while giving up seven earned runs. It was by far the rookie's worst start of the season and a reminder that the starter shouldn't be locked into the rotation just yet.
Yes, Smith-Shawver's ceiling and the last month of the season have demonstrated his potential value. When the pitcher is at his best, there is an argument for the righty to be at the top of Atlanta's rotation. Five good starts and one incredible 8.0 inning performance are a large enough sample size to earn the pitcher grace for what happened in Washington. However, Atlanta's dismal start to the season sacrifices any ability for patience.
If AJ Smith-Shawver's Struggles Continue, the Braves Must be Willing to Quickly Pivot
The Braves demoted Bryce Elder, who was throwing the ball incredibly well, to make room for Smith-Shawver to remain after Spencer Strider's return. Add in the Braves' continual struggles to maintain a winning record, and the team must be ready to quickly make a change if Smith-Shawver goes through more than a start or two of struggles.
This is in no way suggesting Atlanta shouldn't give Smith-Shawver 2-3 more starts no matter the results. How great the starter has been over the last weeks of the season demands this. However, what Atlanta's current situation demands is that if the rookie continues to struggle at this level, you cannot afford to exercise any level of patience.
Whether it is bringing Elder back to Atlanta or looking at the trade market, you must be willing to make a quick change. This is the position the franchise put itself in with a 0-7 start and a refusal to spend big in the 2025 offseason. As great as Smith-Shawver has been, this was an alarming start that demands Atlanta be ready for a quick change if needed.