Braves news: Jared Shuster is one step closer to rotation spot

Atlanta Braves left-handed pitcher Jared Shuster has a chance to make the starting rotation out of spring training. He’s one step closer.

The former first-round pick in the 2020 MLB Draft is ready for his opportunity.

While the Braves have traded away several of their top prospects over the year, Shuster remains at the top of their rankings. Shuster’s impressive spring training display has him in talks for the No. 5 starter role in Atlanta’s rotation. This is after Ian Anderson was sent to Triple-A to refine his slider, and Michael Soroka followed him has he recovers from an injury.

Soroka was sent down on Thursday. The former Cy Young candidate in 2019 hasn’t been the same since he ruptured his achilles, and is back on the road to what the Braves hope is a full recovery.

Braves news: Jared Shuster has an edge in rotation battle

One pitcher’s downfall is Shuster’s gain, as he and Dylan Dodd are battling for that fifth and final slot. Shuster has a 1.45 ERA in five Grapefruit League starts. In his most recent outing, he made it through six innings of two-run ball.

“I don’t think I had my best stuff, but I still battled and got through six against a really good lineup,” Shuster said. “I’m pretty happy with it.”

Dodd, the pitcher Shuster is competing with, wasn’t even on the team’s radar to begin spring training. While the Braves haven’t chosen a winner of said competition yet, it’s clear Shuster has the edge for now.

“I just love the rhythm he has,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Infielders have to love playing behind a guy like that. They’re not running around out there with their backs on fire. No matter what happened out there, he just kept getting in the strike zone.”

Nonetheless, this is the same team which sent Vaughn Grissom to the minors prior to Opening Day. Anything can happen, and Shuster must keep battling.