Smith-Shawver Minor League Stint Ends Friday, Braves Decision Looms
After a dominant 6.1-inning outing at Gwinnett, Smith-Shawver is set to clear his rehab minimum and could return to Atlanta's rotation.
AJ Smith-Shawver posted a strong performance for Triple-A Gwinnett, allowing one hit with seven strikeouts and no walks over 6.1 scoreless innings on 95 pitches. His mandatory 15-day minor league stay expires Friday, opening the door for a recall. The Braves face a roster decision complicated by Reynaldo Lopez also nearing a return from injury. Atlanta will need to determine how to fit both pitchers into their plans.
More on the Braves wire.
Strider Starts Throwing Program, Return Still Distant
Atlanta's Spencer Strider has begun a throwing program, a positive step away from surgery but not a sign he's close to returning.
Strider Cleaned Out Locker, Not Expected Back This Season
Beat reporter confirms Strider's locker has been cleared and given to Mahle, strongly implying Strider is done for the year.
Schwellenbach's Return Timeline Slipping Away for Atlanta
The Braves righty began his throwing program in June but remains far from game action, with a rehab assignment still weeks away at best.
Strider Unlikely to Return in 2025, Begins Throwing Program
Braves manager Walt Weiss indicated he cannot count on Strider pitching this year, though a throwing program start offers some hope for 2026.
Chris Sale Ejected During Game After Balk Dispute Carries Over
Atlanta's ace was tossed from the game, with lingering tension from a balk ruling the day before cited as the backdrop.
Matt Olson on pace for second 50-homer season
Olson has hit two more HRs since a Sunday feature on his 50-HR potential, needing 17 more over 46 games to reach the milestone again.