Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Catcher Kevan Smith makes first start for Braves

Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Dean touches home plate past the tag of Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kevan Smith during the fourth inning of the spring training opening game Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla. (Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com)

Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@

Credit: Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@

Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Dean touches home plate past the tag of Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kevan Smith during the fourth inning of the spring training opening game Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla. (Curtis Compton / Curtis.Compton@ajc.com)
By
May 21, 2021

Veteran Kevan Smith is set to make his first start for the Braves on Friday night against the Pirates. The Braves acquired Smith, 32, on Wednesday from the Rays for cash considerations. Smith was batting seventh and was catching starter Ian Anderson, who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his previous outing.

It will be Smith’s first appearance with the Braves. He was 1-for-4 in three games with the Rays this season.

“He’s a veteran guy,” manager Brian Snitker said of Smith. “Caught a lot of really good pitchers in Tampa. He’s an established guy, so hopefully we get him a good matchup tonight with the left-hander (Tyler Anderson) and get him in the fold here.”

The Braves entered Friday at 20-24 after losing to the Pirates in extra innings Thursday. They were 3-1/2 games behind the Mets for first place in the National League East.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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