Opening Day is almost upon us and the Atlanta Braves have released their pitching plan for the first five games of the season.
The first three names in the rotation were never in doubt but the final two spots were the question.
However, the Braves gave clarity to that issue when they traded Ian Anderson to the Angels for Jose Suarez. Anderson was given a chance this spring to prove he could be a valuable part of the rotation. Ultimately, he walked way too many bats and it led to the former top prospect leaving the team that drafted him.
Braves release probable Opening Week starters, AJ Smith-Shawver earns opportunity to shine
This left the door open for AJ Smith-Shawver to grab a rotation spot. He’s not had the best MLB experience thus far, but he’s only 22 years old and is loaded with pure arm talent. This offseason AJSS added a cutter to his arsenal and it’s made a world of difference. So much so that he’s been named as the starter for Atlanta’s series finale in San Diego.
Braves rotation to begin the season:
Braves rotation to begin the season:
Thursday-Chris Sale
Friday-Reynaldo López
Saturday-Spencer Schwellenbach
Sunday-AJ Smith-ShawverMonday at Dodger Stadium: Grant Holmes
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) March 25, 2025
Smith-Shawver had a 3.94 ERA this spring over 16 innings pitched with five walks and 20 strikeouts. Those are great signs for the young right-hander and hopefully, he can continue that success against talented MLB hitters.
This start in San Diego gives him an opportunity to exercise his demons from game one of the 2024 Wild Card series. He was thrust into a tough situation and allowed three earned runs over 1.1 innings. This atmosphere will be a tad different so that should take some pressure off.
The reigning NL Cy Young Chris Sale will start on Opening Day and he will be followed by Reynaldo Lopez, Spencer Schwellenbach, AJSS, and Grant Holmes. Holmes was always seen as a guarantee in the fourth or fifth spot after an impressive debut last year.
Holmes has the daunting task of facing the Dodgers (who originally drafted him in 2014) next Monday. Holmes could easily transition to the bullpen once Spencer Strider is able to return in a long relief role. For now, he has to provide the Braves with as many quality innings as possible.
I hope you’re excited for another season of Braves baseball! Atlanta has a talented core that’s ready to go out and prove last season was a fluke.
