After securing another series win with a doubleheader sweep Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves will return home Thursday where they will begin a four-game series against the Colorado Rockies. AJ Smith-Shawver will get the start for the Braves while the Rockies will go with veteran lefty Kyle Freeland.
Smith-Shawver was originally scheduled to pitch Wednesday’s series finale in Detroit, but had his start pushed back a day after Tuesday’s rainout. The 20-year old right-hander began the season in High-A and rocketed through the Braves minor league system to reach the majors. He made his debut in relief on June 4 where he tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks.