Braves Rumors: Who takes Mike Soroka's spot?
Mike Soroka, while a tremendous story, had an ERA over eight through his two starts in Atlanta. Despite his impressive outings in Gwinnett, something is still missing at the major-league level.
The right-hander struggled on Sunday, and his demotion came shortly thereafter as a surprise to many on the roster itself, per one Braves insider.
"Though Soroka struggled, particularly Sunday, the swiftness of this demotion back to Triple A surprised many. But the #Braves are making the pitching moves they believe give them best chance to win, and win now," David O'Brien said via Twitter.
As for what Atlanta's rotation will look like now without Soroka, they have several options. AJ Smith-Shawver, just 20 years old, has starting experience. Smith-Shawver has retired seven of the eight batters he's faced in rather swift fashion since being called up. Even in a shorter, bullpen-dominated outing, it'd be wise for Brian Snitker to see what he has in the youngster. Snit went as far as to say Atlanta fans should expect to see Smith-Shawver on the mound to start a game when he was called up.
Along with Smith-Shawver, the Braves called up RHP Roddery Muñoz. Sports Illustrated has the scouting report on Muñoz, who's been in a groove of late:
"Muñoz, 23, will be debuting in the major leagues after three years in the Braves domestic minor league system. Originally a 2017 International Free Agent, he came stateside in 2021 and was moved to relief in 2023. This season, mostly in AAA Gwinnett, he's 1-3 with a 4.94 ERA in fifteen appearances (one start, in AA Mississippi) and twenty-four strikeouts in twenty-seven and a third innings. But in his last six appearances, he's reached a comfort level: 0.82 ERA, with eight hits, one run, and fourteen strikeouts (with seven walks) in eleven innings."
From the outside looking in, it appears the Braves will go with Smith-Shawver and/or a bullpen start in steed of Soroka, while Muñoz takes a much-needed bullpen slot.
Braves Rumors: A bold prediction for Mets series
Expect some fireworks as the NY Mets visit Truist Park in this midweek series. New York, sitting at .500 on the season, is 5.5 games back of Atlanta in the NL East. Both teams are just 5-5 in their last ten games.
The Mets roster suggests they would be an NL East frontrunner and an NL Wild Card guarantee. Yet, fans are rightly frustrated with GM Billy Eppler and manager Buck Showalter for failing to do more with the richest roster in MLB.
The Braves rotation lines up perfectly for this series. Bryce Elder will pitch on Tuesday, followed by Charlie Morton and Spencer Strider on Wednesday and Thursday. Atlanta will have to face off against Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander this series, however, which is a tough draw.
Overall, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Mets win this series. In fact, it could be argued that New York needs it more at this point in the season. However, the team which benefits the most from the Braves and Mets facing off this week is actually the Miami Marlins.
While the Mets, Phillies and Braves are considered the class on the NL East, the Marlins have quietly moved into second place in the division, just three games behind Atlanta. If the postseason started today, Miami would hold a Wild Card spot.
Bold prediction: Marlins make up ground while Mets, Braves fight it out. Miami faces off against the Royals at home, followed by a series opener against the White Sox in Chicago during the Atlanta-New York heavyweight fight. Expect them to win at least two out of three.
Braves Rumors: Another extension candidate
It's very, very early, but if Alex Anthopoulos is trying to find his next contract extension candidate, he may not have to look further than A.J. Smith-Shawver, who was just called up to the big leagues. Yes, he can't legally drink yet, but Smith-Shawver has shown electric stuff in the majors so far. Assuming he transitions well to a starting role, it would be wise to get in contact with Smith-Shawver's agent this offseason.
Anthopoulos has a history of signing young players to long-term contracts. Look no further than Ozzie Albies, Ronald Acuña and Spencer Strider. Some of those contracts may one day backfire, but hitting on even a couple saves the Braves money in the long run.
Instead of hitting free agency and making upwards of $30 million-$40 million per season, a player like Acuña is signed to a respectable 10-year, $124 million deal. At the time that contract was given out, though, it was seen as a risk.
Smith-Shawver has barely pitched in the majors. As this season continues, the front office will get a better idea if his electric fastball and four-pitch mix is for real, or perhaps just a flash in the pan.
Atlanta does a great job of identifying talent within its minor-league system. Smith-Shawver pitched just over 100 minor-league innings, but much like it did with Spencer Strider last season, they called him up anyway.