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Braves News: AJ Smith-Shawver set for first start, Ben Heller acquisition, and more

Atlanta Braves skipper Brian Snitker confirmed on Tuesday that rookie right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver will make his first career start either Friday or Saturday against the Washington Nationals.

AJ Smith-Shawver trajectory:
2021 7th round pick (217th overall)
2021 8.64 ERA in four Rookie Ball starts
2022 5.11 in High A
2023 1.09 ERA in first seven minor league starts, 1 HR allowed in 33 innings, 12 walks, 45 strikeouts
2023 Will make 1st big-league start this weekend.— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 6, 2023

The 20-year-old was just promoted to Atlanta on May 30 after quickly jumping through the Braves’ farm system.