AJ Smith-Shawver starts for the Atlanta Braves as they take on the San Diego Padres
Briefly

Michael King has emerged as a legitimate force this year, boasting a 2.95 ERA over 173.2 innings pitched, reflecting his growth. He demonstrated his ability to overcome previous limitations, making him a significant challenge for the Braves. His expected ERA of 3.54 still positions him in the top 31.0 percent of qualified players, showcasing consistent performance, although his average exit velocity of 85.7 MPH suggests a susceptibility to hard hits—an essential element as the Braves rely heavily on impactful offensive plays.
AJ Smith-Shawver is set to start for the Braves in Game 1 against the Padres following his impressive showing in the regular season. His only regular-season start saw him throw 4.1 scoreless innings, reaffirming his potential as a key player in this Wild Card Series. In September, at AAA, he amassed 24.0 innings pitched with a 3.75 ERA, suggesting that he's in good form. His performance against the vigorous competition will be crucial for the Braves' success in this pivotal matchup.
Read at Battery Power
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