PHILADELPHIA — The Braves on Wednesday recalled left-hander Jared Shuster and optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett.
“Shuster can go longer,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “AJ, with his injury and everything, he was limited in what he can do. We’re kind of at a point now where we need somebody that we might be able to put out there, if need be, for five innings. He couldn’t do that. Shuster is stretched out. He can go pitch all night, pretty much. It gives us a little more latitude in what we’re going to do out of the ‘pen more so than just where AJ is at right now.”
Shuster last pitched for the Stripers on Sept. 8, when he allowed a run over six innings. He was scheduled to start for Gwinnett on Wednesday. Instead, he conceivably will provide bullpen depth for the Braves in the series finale versus the Phillies, someone who’s able to provide length if necessary. Shuster also could be a candidate to start Saturday’s game in Miami. The Braves haven’t announced a starter, but Kyle Wright, who returned from the injured list on Monday, would also be lined up to start that day. (
Smith-Shawver hasn’t pitched since Sept. 3, when he went two-thirds of an inning for Gwinnett in his return from the injured list. He threw 31 pitches in that outing. He was part of the Braves’ bullpen during his latest stint in the majors, but he didn’t pitch in a game. But as Snitker mentioned, he’s not fully stretched out because of his injured-list stint for right shoulder inflammation.
The Braves have shuffled through starters to fill the fifth spot in their rotation. Allan Winans pitched Sunday versus the Pirates, but that was a spot start.
Morton and Wright pitched Monday, which left them unavailable to start until at least Saturday.
It’s logical to think Smith-Shawver could still be on the Braves’ postseason roster. In Gwinnett, he can pitch regularly as he continues to build up following his time on the injured list.
Braves starters for the Miami series
The Braves will start Bryce Elder in Friday’s series opener at loanDepot Park.
After Saturday’s “TBA” (To Be Announced), Charlie Morton will pitch in Sunday’s roadtrip finale.
