Braves Recall AJ Smith-Shawver, Designate Tyler Kinley for Assignment

The Atlanta Braves announced they have recalled right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to the major league roster and designated right-hander Tyler Kinley for assignment.

Smith-Shawver's return closes a thread that had been dangling for several days. Per earlier Posterior reporting, Braves GM Walt Weiss had been weighing the call-up while also sorting out the club's rotation picture around the return of Holmes. A bullpen role for Smith-Shawver had been floated as one possibility, though manager Weiss noted at the time that nothing had been formally discussed. His exact role with the active club has not been announced.

What we don't know yet

Atlanta has not specified whether Smith-Shawver slots into the rotation or the bullpen. The earlier uncertainty around that question — with Holmes's availability still a factor — remains unresolved in the club's announcement.

For Kinley, the designation for assignment opens a clock on his roster status. The Braves have not announced a trade, release, or any further transaction involving him.

The move also continues a stretch of active roster management in Atlanta. The club selected left-hander Ray Kerr earlier this week and released first baseman Carlos Santana from Triple-A Gwinnett around the same period, so the 40-man picture has been in motion. Smith-Shawver's recall is the latest adjustment, not an isolated one.