Braves Rumors: Morton replacement, ESPN surprise prediction, untradable prospect
By Mark Powell
Braves Rumors: AJ Smith-Shawver won’t be on the table
A.J. Smith-Shawver made his first start against the Nationals just a few night ago. He still cannot legally drink.
Smith-Shawver is a former seventh-round pick who surprised the Braves front office by how quickly he made his way through the minor-league ranks. Eventually, there was nowhere else to move him to but the big leagues, and Smith-Shawver has received rave reviews early in Atlanta. While he made his first few appearances out of the bullpen, Brian Snitker knew eventually he’d earn his first start. Against the Nationals, it all went according to plan.
“I was trying to hold back a grin,” Smith-Shawver said. “It’s really cool just to have fans that are really into the game and really support you.”
If Atlanta were to make a trade for any controllable starting pitcher this deadline, for example, Smith-Shawver should not be on the table. The Braves farm system is a weak link at this point, as they dealt the majority of their top prospect capital in previous trades for Matt Olson, Sean Murphy and more. Smith-Shawver, a rising star who has already made the majors, may be the best realistic thing they have to offer.
But still, Anthopoulos should resist.
Come playoff time, Smith-Shawver will offer the Braves an asset most contending teams only wish they could have — a relief pitcher capable of going multiple innings, and unencumbered by when he is called upon.