
The Atlanta Braves have a big decision to make for their fifth starter role. Thankfully, there are still some options available.
Atlanta will start the season with a conundrum in their starting rotation. While most assumed shortstop or left field would be the teamās biggest issue heading into spring training, both Marcell Ozuna and Vaughn Grissom have performed admirably, suggesting they will begin the season entrenched in their roles.
Ian Anderson and Bryce Elder, who had been competing for the final rotation spot, will start the season in Triple-A. While thereās still hope that both will eventually find their way back on the MLB roster, for now Atlanta needs to consider all options. FanSidedās Cody Williams outlined the situation Anderson and Elder find themselves in at this very moment:
"āHowever, it doesnāt mean the last of Elder or Anderson (or Soroka once healthy). OāBrien also noted that with injuries likely to put Huascar Ynoa, Tyler Matzek and Kolby Allard on the IL to start the year, any of that group could be recalled without any wait. So thatās still on the table.ā"
So, who are the favorites to take Anderson or Elderās spot in the rotation?
Braves rumors: 1 prospect for the No. 5 rotation spot
Jared Shuster, one of the top prospects remaining in the Braves system, will have a shot to earn an MLB roster spot out of spring training. One would expect that to be in the starting rotation.
Shuster has made quite the impression in spring training, with Brian Snitker watching every start. Snitker came away impressed with Shusterās last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
āI love watching him pitch,āĀ Snitker said. āHeās efficient, and he works fast.ā
Shusterās first minor-league season was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since then heās been moving up the ranks with relative ease. The former first-round pick is a bright spot in Atlantaās system, and has long been off limits in trade talks.
In his last start, Shusterās only blemish was a home run given up to Bryan Reynolds. Being the perfectionist that he is, that was his sole focus after the game.
āReynolds saw my best [changeups] all day,ā Shuster said. āI just threw him a crappy one there.ā
While Elder and Anderson were the favorites for the fifth rotation spot heading into spring training, Shuster had a great attitude in gaining experience against MLB-level hitters. Heās used that experience to make an early impression and then some.
āItās been a great experience so far, just being able to be with big leaguers,ā Shuster said. āItās been great to learn from them and face them and see how my stuff plays against them. Itās been really awesome. Iām really grateful for the experience.ā
Come Opening Day, he may find himself in the big leagues altogether.