As most expected to be the case, A.J. Smith-Shawver will start Tuesday night’s game against the Rockies. To make room on the big league roster, Ian Anderson, who the Braves claimed off waivers on Sunday from the Angels, was designated for assignment.
The Braves will hope Anderson slides through waivers this time to get him much-needed minor league flexibility to continue his journey back from elbow surgery. Anderson struggled mightily out of the Anaheim bullpen before being let go last week.
The #Braves today recalled RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to Atlanta and he will start tonight’s game in Colorado. The club also designated RHP Ian Anderson for assignment.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 29, 2025
As for Smith-Shawver, all eyes will be on the rookie as he looks to establish himself after a shaky first few weeks of the season with the Braves. The hard-throwing rookie issued eight walks in three starts with the big league club, although he did get a lot of swing and miss to give the club reason for optimism. Hopefully he can cover at least five innings tonight in Coors Field and pitch well enough to remain in the rotation even when Spencer Strider returns from the injured list.
