The Atlanta Braves may have found a way to address two pitching questions at once as AJ Smith-Shawver nears his return to the major leagues.
Smith-Shawver has been building up at Triple-A Gwinnett and is now considered close to rejoining Atlanta. Manager Walt Weiss recently said the young right-hander is “on the cusp” of a recall, setting the stage for an important decision about how the Braves will use him.
The biggest question is whether Smith-Shawver immediately returns to the starting rotation.
For much of his buildup, the expectation was that the 23-year-old would eventually reclaim a rotation spot. However, Atlanta’s current circumstances have complicated that plan. With Grant Holmes continuing to start and other pitchers potentially returning from injury, the Braves could face a significant roster crunch.
That is where a potentially intriguing solution comes into play.
Smith-Shawver Could Begin in the Bullpen
Following Holmes’ difficult outing against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday, the possibility of Smith-Shawver joining the bullpen became more realistic.
Holmes surrendered six runs on six hits and three walks over 3⅔ innings in Atlanta’s 10-3 loss. Despite the rough performance, Weiss strongly defended the right-hander, saying Holmes has been throwing the ball well and that everyone is going to have an occasional “clunker.”
Weiss also indicated that Holmes is expected to remain in the rotation for now.
That could make Smith-Shawver’s return as a reliever an attractive short-term solution.
“We haven’t had those discussions in depth,” Weiss said when asked about the possibility of Smith-Shawver being used out of the bullpen, while acknowledging that it is an option.
Such a move would allow Atlanta to bring Smith-Shawver back without immediately removing Holmes from the rotation.
Why It Could Work for the Braves
Using Smith-Shawver as a bullpen weapon would give Atlanta additional flexibility while allowing the organization to monitor his workload following his recovery from Tommy John surgery.
Smith-Shawver has already shown encouraging signs during his Triple-A work. His recent outings have featured improved command, better stamina and the ability to maintain his velocity deeper into games.
Rather than immediately asking him to take on a full starter’s workload at the major-league level, Atlanta could ease him back through shorter appearances.
That could also give the Braves an opportunity to use him strategically.
Smith-Shawver could potentially work multiple innings, bridge the gap between the starter and late-inning relievers, or eventually transition back into the rotation if an opening develops.
What Happens to Holmes?
The Holmes question remains the most interesting part of the equation.
There has already been speculation that Holmes could be better suited to a relief role because of his ability to attack hitters aggressively and potentially benefit from facing a lineup only once.
However, Weiss’ recent comments suggest Atlanta is not ready to make that change.
Holmes had delivered two consecutive excellent starts against the Yankees and Marlins before his rough performance against Arizona, so the Braves have legitimate reasons to remain patient.
That makes a temporary Smith-Shawver bullpen assignment potentially more logical than immediately pushing Holmes out of the rotation.
A Bigger Roster Puzzle Is Coming
The Braves’ pitching situation could become even more complicated as additional arms work their way back.
Reynaldo López has resumed throwing and could eventually be considered for either a starting or relief role, while other injured pitchers remain part of Atlanta’s longer-term plans.
In other words, Atlanta may not be dealing with just one roster decision.
The organization could soon have more healthy pitchers than available rotation spots, forcing Weiss and the front office to determine which arms provide the most value in each role.
For now, bringing Smith-Shawver back as a reliever could provide the cleanest answer.
It would get one of Atlanta’s most intriguing young arms back in the majors, protect his workload, strengthen the bullpen and allow Holmes another opportunity to prove he belongs in the rotation.
If Smith-Shawver performs well in that role, the Braves could then decide whether to keep him there or eventually move him back into the starting mix.
For a team trying to navigate a crowded pitching staff, that kind of flexibility could prove extremely valuable down the stretch.
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