Pitching has been one of the Atlanta Braves weak spots for the better part of the 2025 season so far. Other than Spencer Schwellenbach who has had a stellar season so far, the pitching rotation and bullpen have been inconsistent and the root problem of many of their 10 losses. After their narrow victory against the Rays on April 12 the Braves made yet another decision to switch up their pitching rotation. AJ Smith-Shawver was optioned to triple-A on April 12 and in his place the Braves called up Michael Peterson to fill their roster.

Fans seem to think this is an interesting choice, especially after Smith-Shawver’s performance against the Rays. He pitched five innings for Atlanta and struck out seven batters in the Rays’ lineup. The problem however, lies in the fact that he allowed six hits and two earned runs in a game that came down to just one point. Bryce Elder still remains on the Braves’ Major League roster, which is hitting a nerve in some fans. Why Smith-Shawver and not Elder who has clearly been performing worse?

Optioning Smith-Shawver while Elder is still on the active roster is wild. — Chop Oñ (@13ChopOn13) April 13, 2025 In his last appearance on the mound for the Braves on April 11, Elder allowed nine hits and five of the Rays’ six total runs in just six innings pitched. The Braves are sitting at the bottom of the NL East currently, and a performance like Elder’s isn’t helping them stay in the win column.

However, Elder may not be on the Majors roster for much longer. Spencer Strider is healing and putting up great numbers in triple-A on his rehab assignment. He is also with the team in Tampa. Grant Holmes is currently listed to start for the Braves against the Blue Jays on April 14 and Schwellenbach to start the following day. However, on April 16 the starting pitcher is TBA.

“Is Wednesday his return?,” Justin Toscano asked in an X post. Grant Holmes will start Monday in Toronto. Spencer Schwellenbach will start on Tuesday. The Braves listed a TBA for Wednesday. There was a new jersey in the clubhouse today: 99.

Spencer Strider is here in Tampa and was scheduled to throw his side today. Is Wednesday the return? — Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) April 13, 2025 This very well could be the case. If the Braves think Strider healthy enough to pitch a major league game Elder may soon be joining Smith-Shawver at Gwinnett.