Braves send RHP AJ Smith-Shawver down to Triple-A

Field Level Media|published: 04/13/2025, 10:47am EDT

Apr 12, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver (32) looks on from the dugout during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday.

Smith-Shawver, 22, is off to an 0-2 start with a 4.61 ERA through three turns in the Atlanta rotation.

He had his best game of the season Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out seven in five innings against the host Tampa Bay Rays. The Braves rallied in the ninth for a 5-4 victory.

The Braves recalled right-handed reliever Michael Petersen, 30, from Gwinnett in a corresponding transaction. He has a career 3-1 record with a 5.95 ERA in 16 appearances split between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins in 2024.

--Field Level Media