Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver: Decent outing versus Cubs

Smith-Shawver allowed three hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.1 shutout innings Thursday versus the Cubs, taking a no-decision.

Smith-Shawver pitched fairly well, aside from needing 87 pitches (55 strikes) to get 13 outs. It's a much better showing than his 6.10 ERA, 1.52 WHIP and 35:17 K:BB over 31 innings for Triple-A Gwinnett to begin 2024. The right-hander's call-up could have been merely for a spot start after Atlanta's doubleheader earlier in the week, so it's unclear if the team will make room for him beyond Thursday. Darius Vines, who is expected to take the mound Friday in Pittsburgh, is the other candidate for the vacant No. 5 starter job.