The Braves beat the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday to improve their record to 4-10. The Braves sit in last place currently in the NL East. They are five games back of the New York Mets. Atlanta will try and win the series against the Rays with a win in today’s game. They will then head on the road for a three-game series in Toronto to face the Blue Jays. Before today’s game, the Braves announced two roster moves, as they optioned right-hand pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A.
AJ Smith-Shawver – RHP
The Atlanta Braves have optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A, where he will continue his season with the Gwinnette Stripers. He has made three starts for the Braves this season and lost two of three. Smith-Shawver has thrown 13.2 innings so far this year. He has a 4.61 ERA and a 1.98 WHIP. Smith-Shawver has allowed 19 hits, seven runs, eight walks, two home runs, and struck out 17 with the Braves. The oposing teams have a .333 batting average against the young right-hander to start the year. He last won a big league game in 2023 when he won one game in five starts for the Braves.
Michael Petersen – RHP
The Atlanta Braves have recalled Petersen from their Triple-A affiliate Gwinnett Stripers. Petersen appeared in 16 games for the Braves in 2024. He had a 3-1 record with a 5.95 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. Petersen has pitched in three games so far this year in relief across two minor league levels. The Braves signed Petersen after the Los Angeles Angels designated him for assignment on March 31st of this year.
