The Braves have optioned right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver to the minor leagues in preparation for the return of Spencer Strider to the pitching rotation on April 16. Strider, recovering from surgery for a UCL injury, brings a strong track record, including a near 37% strikeout rate. The Braves, struggling with a 4-11 start to the season and issues in their rotation including injuries and poor performance from others, are looking to Strider to revitalize their campaign as the team seeks to improve its early setbacks in the season.
Strider, 26, hasn't pitched in just over a year after undergoing internal brace surgery to replace his UCL early last season.
His stats were enough to get Strider a second-place finish in NL Rookie of the Year voting, an All-Star appearance, and a fourth-place finish in NL Cy Young voting.
The Braves have struggled badly out of the gate with a 4-11 start to open the season, largely due to a rotation that has lost Reynaldo Lopez.
Strider's return means the end of Smith-Shawver's stint in the rotation to open the year, a decision driven by Smith-Shawver's walk rate concerns.
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