The Atlanta Braves optioned RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A on Monday, according to David O'Brien of The Athletic. The move comes as a bit of a surprise, as he made his MLB debut in 2023 and flashed signs of potential. However, the Braves feature a full pitching staff already which likely prompted the move.
Max Fried, Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, Charlie Morton, Bryce Elder, and Reynaldo Lopez are all options for the big league rotation. So Smith-Shawver will receive more time to develop at the minor league level. O'Brien did note that the pitcher could receive a promotion to the MLB club before too long.