ATLANTA — AJ Smith-Shawver is breaking out as an emerging force in the Atlanta Braves’ rotation.
That rotation soon will receive another boost with hard-throwing right-hander Spencer Strider ready to come off the injured list for the second time this season.
Smith-Shawver allowed two hits, two walks and no earned runs in six innings in Atlanta’s 5-2 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday afternoon at Truist Park. Afterward, Braves manager Brian Snitker said Strider would return to the rotation during next week’s three-game series at Washington.
“We’re not sure which game,” Snitker said of the Tuesday-to-Thursday series between National League East Division clubs.
Snitker also didn’t say how the Braves would create a spot for Strider, who threw a five-inning simulated game at Truist Park on Wednesday. The 26-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 21 after straining his right hamstring.