AJ Smith-Shawver: Difference between revisions

AJ Smith-Shawver
AJ Smith-Shawver
	Smith-Shawver with the Gwinnett Stripers in 2024
Atlanta Braves – No. 32
	Pitcher
	Born: November 20, 2002 (age 21); Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
	Bats: Right Throws: Right
MLB debut
	June 4, 2023, for the Atlanta Braves
MLB statistics ; (through 2024 season)
Win–loss record	1–0
Earned run average	3.64
Strikeouts	24
Teams
	Atlanta Braves (2023–present);

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AJ Smith-Shawver (born November 20, 2002) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.

Amateur career

Smith-Shawver grew up in Colleyville, Texas and attended Colleyville Heritage High School, where he played baseball and football.^[1] He was Colleyville Heritage's starting quarterback and passed for 2,616 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior. He stopped pitching to focus on football,^[2] and was named All-Area by the Dallas Morning News as a third baseman after batting .344 with 20 RBIs.^[3] Smith-Shawver committed to play both college baseball and college football at Texas Tech University.^[4]

Professional career

Draft and minor leagues

The Atlanta Braves selected Smith-Shawver in the seventh round of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft.^[5] He signed with the team, foregoing his commitment to Texas Tech, and received an over-slot signing bonus of $997,500.^[6]^[7] After signing, Smith-Shawver was assigned to the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Braves and made four appearances. He spent the 2022 season with the Single-A Augusta GreenJackets.^[8]^[9] While pitching in the FCL and for the GreenJackets, Smith-Shawver focused on developing a slider.^[10]

The following year, Smith-Shawver began the season with the Rome Braves.^[11]^[12] At the High-A level, he made three starts, threw fourteen scoreless innings with four walks and 23 strikeouts, while yielding six hits.^[13] On May 2, Smith-Shawver was promoted to the Mississippi Braves.^[14] He allowed five hits in seven scoreless innings over two appearances at the Double-A level,^[15] then made his Triple-A debut with the Gwinnett Stripers on May 19, yielding his first earned runs on the 2023 season.^[7]^[16]^[17]

Atlanta Braves

On May 30, 2023, the Braves selected Smith-Shawver's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.^[18]^[19] He faced the Arizona Diamondbacks in his major league debut on June 4, pitching 2+1⁄3 innings of relief while recording three strikeouts and one walk.^[20]^[21] Smith-Shawver made his first start against the Washington Nationals on June 9,^[22] yielding two unearned runs on three hits in 5+1⁄3 innings.^[2]^[23] On June 15, Smith-Shawver earned his first win, giving up six hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 5+2⁄3 innings against the Colorado Rockies.^[24] He became the youngest Braves pitcher to win a game since Steve Avery on August 24, 1990.^[25] On June 26, Shawver was optioned back down to Gwinnett to make room on the roster for the Braves to promote relief pitcher Dereck Rodriguez.^[26]

Smith-Shawver was invited to spring training before the 2024 regular season began,^[27] but did not make the club and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.^[28]

Personal life

AJ Smith was raised by his mother Laurie and stepfather Jason. He added Shawver to his surname while in high school.^[2]

References

^ Jennings, Randy (October 30, 2020). "He's the best-kept secret in the state': AJ Smith-Shawver's huge day powers Colleyville Heritage past Midlothian". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Bowman, Mark (June 9, 2023). "'Wow, we're here': Smith-Shawver shines in first MLB start". MLB.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
^ "Area stars Creed Willems, AJ Smith-Shawver choose to start MLB careers over college". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 27, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ Silva Jr., Carlos (July 12, 2021). "Texas Tech baseball signee Cameron Cauley picked by Texas Rangers". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ Gosset, Brian (July 14, 2021). "Several Fort Worth-area players selected in 2021 MLB Draft". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ Bowman, Mark (July 20, 2021). "Braves sign Smith-Shawver, Collins, Malloy". MLB.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Bowman, Mark (May 21, 2023). "Only 20 years young, Smith-Shawver reaches Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ Powers, Matt (December 3, 2022). "Atlanta Braves 2022 Minor League Player Review: AJ Smith-Shawver". BatteryPower.com. SB Nation. Retrieved January 24, 2023.
^ "Atlanta Braves Announce GreenJackets Opening Day Roster". MILB.com. April 4, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022. Alternate URL
^ Toscano, Justin (June 4, 2023). "How AJ Smith-Shawver developed slider to be a well-rounded pitcher". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
^ Franklin, Justin (April 5, 2023). "Rome Braves Release 2023 Opening Day Roster". MILB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ "ROME BRAVES RELEASE 2023 OPENING DAY ROSTER". Coosa Valley News. April 6, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
^ Bowman, Mark (May 1, 2023). "This Braves prospect is having early success". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ "Atlanta Braves promote No. 4 prospect Smith-Shawver to Mississippi". MILB.com. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ Toscano, Justin (May 16, 2023). "Braves promote top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ "Braves prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver debuts in Gwinnett Stripers win". Gwinnett Daily Post. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ "Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver makes Triple-A debut". Atlanta Journal Constitution. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
^ Chen, Sonja (May 30, 2023). "Braves dip into prospect well again, call up No. 4 Smith-Shawver". MLB.com. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
^ Toscano, Justin (May 30, 2023). "Braves call up top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who will begin in bullpen". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
^ Bowman, Mark (June 4, 2023). "No. 4 prospect's strong debut sets up veteran's clutch slam". MLB.com. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
^ Toscano, Justin (June 4, 2023). "'Just trying to breathe:' Braves ' AJ Smith-Shawver has successful MLB debut". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
^ Bowman, Mark (June 9, 2023). "Smith-Shawver has taken fast track to Braves rotation". MLB.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
^ "Arcia drives in go-ahead run, Braves beat Nationals 3-2 in another comeback". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
^ "Ozzie Albies, AJ Smith-Shawver lead the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Rockies". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
^ Bowman, Mark (June 15, 2023). "Smith-Shawver earns his first MLB win ... at age 20". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
^ Burns, ga (June 26, 2023). "Braves option AJ Smith-Shawver, Michael Soroka could return". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
^ "Youthful gamble paying off for Smith-Shawver". MLB.com. February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2024.
^ "Braves option top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to AAA". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.

External links

Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet
AJ Smith-Shawver on Twitter

[1] Jennings, Randy (October 30, 2020). "He's the best-kept secret in the state': AJ Smith-Shawver's huge day powers Colleyville Heritage past Midlothian". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[mlbfirststart-2] Bowman, Mark (June 9, 2023). "'Wow, we're here': Smith-Shawver shines in first MLB start". MLB.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.

[3] "Area stars Creed Willems, AJ Smith-Shawver choose to start MLB careers over college". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. July 27, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[4] Silva Jr., Carlos (July 12, 2021). "Texas Tech baseball signee Cameron Cauley picked by Texas Rangers". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[5] Gosset, Brian (July 14, 2021). "Several Fort Worth-area players selected in 2021 MLB Draft". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[6] Bowman, Mark (July 20, 2021). "Braves sign Smith-Shawver, Collins, Malloy". MLB.com. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[bowmanaaa-7] Bowman, Mark (May 21, 2023). "Only 20 years young, Smith-Shawver reaches Triple-A". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[8] Powers, Matt (December 3, 2022). "Atlanta Braves 2022 Minor League Player Review: AJ Smith-Shawver". BatteryPower.com. SB Nation. Retrieved January 24, 2023.

[9] "Atlanta Braves Announce GreenJackets Opening Day Roster". MILB.com. April 4, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022. Alternate URL

[10] Toscano, Justin (June 4, 2023). "How AJ Smith-Shawver developed slider to be a well-rounded pitcher". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved June 5, 2023.

[11] Franklin, Justin (April 5, 2023). "Rome Braves Release 2023 Opening Day Roster". MILB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[12] "ROME BRAVES RELEASE 2023 OPENING DAY ROSTER". Coosa Valley News. April 6, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.

[13] Bowman, Mark (May 1, 2023). "This Braves prospect is having early success". MLB.com. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[14] "Atlanta Braves promote No. 4 prospect Smith-Shawver to Mississippi". MILB.com. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[15] Toscano, Justin (May 16, 2023). "Braves promote top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[16] "Braves prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver debuts in Gwinnett Stripers win". Gwinnett Daily Post. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[17] "Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver makes Triple-A debut". Atlanta Journal Constitution. May 19, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.

[18] Chen, Sonja (May 30, 2023). "Braves dip into prospect well again, call up No. 4 Smith-Shawver". MLB.com. Retrieved May 30, 2023.

[19] Toscano, Justin (May 30, 2023). "Braves call up top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who will begin in bullpen". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved May 30, 2023.

[20] Bowman, Mark (June 4, 2023). "No. 4 prospect's strong debut sets up veteran's clutch slam". MLB.com. Retrieved June 5, 2023.

[21] Toscano, Justin (June 4, 2023). "'Just trying to breathe:' Braves ' AJ Smith-Shawver has successful MLB debut". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved June 5, 2023.

[22] Bowman, Mark (June 9, 2023). "Smith-Shawver has taken fast track to Braves rotation". MLB.com. Retrieved June 10, 2023.

[23] "Arcia drives in go-ahead run, Braves beat Nationals 3-2 in another comeback". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.

[24] "Ozzie Albies, AJ Smith-Shawver lead the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Rockies". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.

[25] Bowman, Mark (June 15, 2023). "Smith-Shawver earns his first MLB win ... at age 20". MLB.com. Retrieved June 16, 2023.

[26] Burns, ga (June 26, 2023). "Braves option AJ Smith-Shawver, Michael Soroka could return". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved February 24, 2024.

[27] "Youthful gamble paying off for Smith-Shawver". MLB.com. February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 24, 2024.

[28] "Braves option top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to AAA". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 13, 2024.

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@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 {{Infobox baseball biography
 |name        = AJ Smith-Shawver
-|image       =
+|image       = AJ Smith-Shawver (53645607691) (cropped).jpg
+|caption     = Smith-Shawver with the [[Gwinnett Stripers]] in 2024
+|width       = 250
 |team        = Atlanta Braves
-|number      = 62
+|number      = 32
 |position    = [[Pitcher]]
 |birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|2002|11|20}}
@@ Line 15: / Line 17: @@
 |debutyear   = 2023
 |debutteam   = Atlanta Braves
-|statleague = MLB
+|statleague  = MLB
-|statyear    =  June 4, 2023
+|statyear    = 2024 season
 |stat1label  = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
-|stat1value  = 0–0
+|stat1value  = 1–0
 |stat2label  = [[Earned run average]]
-|stat2value  = 0.00
+|stat2value  = 3.64
 |stat3label  = [[Strikeout]]s
-|stat3value  = 3
+|stat3value  = 24
 |teams       =
 * [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2023}}–present)
 }}
-'''AJ Smith-Shawver''' (born November 20, 2002) is an American professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]] for the [[Atlanta Braves]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.
+'''AJ Smith-Shawver''' (born November 20, 2002) is an American [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]] for the [[Atlanta Braves]] of [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2023.
 ==Amateur career==
-Smith-Shawver grew up in [[Colleyville, Texas]] and attended [[Colleyville Heritage High School]], where he played baseball and football.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2020/10/30/hes-the-best-kept-secret-in-the-state-aj-smith-shawvers-huge-day-powers-colleyville-heritage-past-midlothian/|title=He's the best-kept secret in the state': AJ Smith-Shawver's huge day powers Colleyville Heritage past Midlothian|work=[[Dallas Morning News]]|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> He was Colleyville Heritage's starting quarterback and passed for 2,616 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior. He was named All-Area by the ''[[Dallas Morning News]]'' as a third baseman after batting .344 with 20 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/dfwvarsity/article253059708.html|title=Area stars Creed Willems, AJ Smith-Shawver choose to start MLB careers over college|work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> Smith-Shawver committed to play both college baseball and college football at [[Texas Tech University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/sports/college/red-raiders/2021/07/12/texas-tech-baseball-signee-cauley-picked-texas-rangers/7941385002/|title=Texas Tech baseball signee Cameron Cauley picked by Texas Rangers|work=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]|date=July 12, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref>
+Smith-Shawver grew up in [[Colleyville, Texas]] and attended [[Colleyville Heritage High School]], where he played baseball and football.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Randy |date=October 30, 2020 |title=He's the best-kept secret in the state': AJ Smith-Shawver's huge day powers Colleyville Heritage past Midlothian |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/high-school-sports/football/2020/10/30/hes-the-best-kept-secret-in-the-state-aj-smith-shawvers-huge-day-powers-colleyville-heritage-past-midlothian/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=[[Dallas Morning News]]}}</ref> He was Colleyville Heritage's starting quarterback and passed for 2,616 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior. He stopped pitching to focus on football,<ref name="mlbfirststart"/> and was named All-Area by the ''[[Dallas Morning News]]'' as a third baseman after batting .344 with 20 RBIs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/dfwvarsity/article253059708.html|title=Area stars Creed Willems, AJ Smith-Shawver choose to start MLB careers over college|work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|date=July 27, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> Smith-Shawver committed to play both college baseball and college football at [[Texas Tech University]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silva Jr. |first=Carlos |date=July 12, 2021 |title=Texas Tech baseball signee Cameron Cauley picked by Texas Rangers |url=https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/sports/college/red-raiders/2021/07/12/texas-tech-baseball-signee-cauley-picked-texas-rangers/7941385002/ |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=[[Lubbock Avalanche-Journal]]}}</ref>
 ==Professional career==
 ===Draft and minor leagues===
-The [[Atlanta Braves]] selected Smith-Shawver in the seventh round of the [[2021 Major League Baseball draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/dfwvarsity/article252785273.html|title=Several Fort Worth-area players selected in 2021 MLB Draft|work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]|date=July 14, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref> He signed with the team and received an over-slot signing bonus of $997,500.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-smith-shawver-signs-over-slot-with-braves|title=Braves sign Smith-Shawver, Collins, Malloy|first=Mark|last=Bowman|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref><ref name="bowmanaaa"/> After signing, Smith-Shawver was assigned to the [[Rookie-level]] [[Florida Complex League Braves]] and made four appearances. He spent the 2022 season with the [[Class A (baseball)|Single-A]] [[Augusta GreenJackets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-prospects-minor-leagues/2022/12/3/23491158/atlanta-braves-2022-minor-league-player-review-aj-smith-shawver|title=Atlanta Braves 2022 Minor League Player Review: AJ Smith-Shawver|first=Matt|last=Powers|website=BatteryPower.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=December 3, 2022|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Atlanta Braves Announce GreenJackets Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/augusta/news/atlanta-braves-announce-greenjackets-opening-day-roster |access-date=May 30, 2022 |publisher=MILB.com |date=April 4, 2022}} [https://www.milb.com/app-firstpitch/augusta/news/atlanta-braves-announce-greenjackets-opening-day-roster Alternate URL]</ref> While pitching in the FCL and for the GreenJackets, Smith-Shawver focused on developing a slider.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=How AJ Smith-Shawver developed slider to be a well-rounded pitcher |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/how-aj-smith-shawver-developed-slider-to-be-a-well-rounded-pitcher/6RGWWQQ2PRAAHGC5ULUEKZRYWQ/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>
+The [[Atlanta Braves]] selected Smith-Shawver in the seventh round of the [[2021 Major League Baseball draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gosset |first=Brian |date=July 14, 2021 |title=Several Fort Worth-area players selected in 2021 MLB Draft |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/dfwvarsity/article252785273.html |access-date=January 24, 2023 |website=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]}}</ref> He signed with the team, foregoing his commitment to Texas Tech, and received an over-slot signing bonus of $997,500.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-smith-shawver-signs-over-slot-with-braves|title=Braves sign Smith-Shawver, Collins, Malloy|first=Mark|last=Bowman|website=[[MLB.com]]|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref><ref name="bowmanaaa"/> After signing, Smith-Shawver was assigned to the [[Rookie-level]] [[Florida Complex League Braves]] and made four appearances. He spent the 2022 season with the [[Class A (baseball)|Single-A]] [[Augusta GreenJackets]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.batterypower.com/atlanta-braves-prospects-minor-leagues/2022/12/3/23491158/atlanta-braves-2022-minor-league-player-review-aj-smith-shawver|title=Atlanta Braves 2022 Minor League Player Review: AJ Smith-Shawver|first=Matt|last=Powers|website=BatteryPower.com|publisher=[[SB Nation]]|date=December 3, 2022|access-date=January 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Atlanta Braves Announce GreenJackets Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/augusta/news/atlanta-braves-announce-greenjackets-opening-day-roster |access-date=May 30, 2022 |publisher=MILB.com |date=April 4, 2022}} [https://www.milb.com/app-firstpitch/augusta/news/atlanta-braves-announce-greenjackets-opening-day-roster Alternate URL]</ref> While pitching in the FCL and for the GreenJackets, Smith-Shawver focused on developing a slider.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=How AJ Smith-Shawver developed slider to be a well-rounded pitcher |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/how-aj-smith-shawver-developed-slider-to-be-a-well-rounded-pitcher/6RGWWQQ2PRAAHGC5ULUEKZRYWQ/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>
-The following year, Smith-Shawver began the season with the [[Rome Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franklin |first1=Justin |title=Rome Braves Release 2023 Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/rome/news/rome-braves-release-2023-opening-day-roster |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MILB.com |date=April 5, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://coosavalleynews.com/2023/04/rome-braves-release-2023-opening-day-roster/ |title=ROME BRAVES RELEASE 2023 OPENING DAY ROSTER |access-date=May 30, 2023 |work=Coosa Valley News |date=April 6, 2023}}</ref> At the [[High-A]] level, he made three starts, threw fourteen scoreless innings with four walks and 23 strikeouts, while yielding six hits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=This Braves prospect is having early success |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-starting-strong-in-2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com |date=May 1, 2023}}</ref> On May 2, Smith-Shawver was promoted to the [[Mississippi Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Atlanta Braves promote No. 4 prospect Smith-Shawver to Mississippi |url=https://www.milb.com/mississippi/news/atlanta-braves-promote-no-4-prospect-smith-shawver-to-mississippi |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MILB.com |date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> He allowed five hits in seven scoreless innings over two appearances at the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] level,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves promote top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-promote-top-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-to-triple-a/CRKLUFBGY5DDBGOV67UDMEUS5E/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> then made his [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] debut with the [[Gwinnett Stripers]] on May 19, yielding his first earned runs on the 2023 season.<ref name="bowmanaaa">{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Only 20 years young, Smith-Shawver reaches Triple-A |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/atlanta-braves-minor-league-roundup-may-21 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com |date=May 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Braves prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver debuts in Gwinnett Stripers win |url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/braves-prospect-a-j-smith-shawver-debuts-in-gwinnett-stripers-win/article_db1ce1e0-f6be-11ed-b308-2f686bb4f6fd.html |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Gwinnett Daily Post |date=May 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver makes Triple-A debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-makes-triple-a-debut/IU2JGGHPVBFXPCDEV2SMWKSFAA/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 19, 2023}}</ref>
+The following year, Smith-Shawver began the season with the [[Rome Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Franklin |first1=Justin |title=Rome Braves Release 2023 Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.milb.com/rome/news/rome-braves-release-2023-opening-day-roster |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MILB.com |date=April 5, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://coosavalleynews.com/2023/04/rome-braves-release-2023-opening-day-roster/ |title=ROME BRAVES RELEASE 2023 OPENING DAY ROSTER |access-date=May 30, 2023 |work=Coosa Valley News |date=April 6, 2023}}</ref> At the [[High-A]] level, he made three starts, threw fourteen scoreless innings with four walks and 23 strikeouts, while yielding six hits.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=This Braves prospect is having early success |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/braves-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-starting-strong-in-2023 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=May 1, 2023}}</ref> On May 2, Smith-Shawver was promoted to the [[Mississippi Braves]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Atlanta Braves promote No. 4 prospect Smith-Shawver to Mississippi |url=https://www.milb.com/mississippi/news/atlanta-braves-promote-no-4-prospect-smith-shawver-to-mississippi |access-date=May 23, 2023 |publisher=MILB.com |date=May 2, 2023}}</ref> He allowed five hits in seven scoreless innings over two appearances at the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] level,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves promote top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-promote-top-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-to-triple-a/CRKLUFBGY5DDBGOV67UDMEUS5E/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> then made his [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] debut with the [[Gwinnett Stripers]] on May 19, yielding his first earned runs on the 2023 season.<ref name="bowmanaaa">{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Only 20 years young, Smith-Shawver reaches Triple-A |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/atlanta-braves-minor-league-roundup-may-21 |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=May 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Braves prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver debuts in Gwinnett Stripers win |url=https://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/sports/braves-prospect-a-j-smith-shawver-debuts-in-gwinnett-stripers-win/article_db1ce1e0-f6be-11ed-b308-2f686bb4f6fd.html |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Gwinnett Daily Post |date=May 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Braves prospect AJ Smith-Shawver makes Triple-A debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-makes-triple-a-debut/IU2JGGHPVBFXPCDEV2SMWKSFAA/ |access-date=May 23, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 19, 2023}}</ref>
 ===Atlanta Braves===
-On May 30, 2023, the Atlanta Braves selected Smith-Shawver's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Sonja |title=Braves dip into prospect well again, call up No. 4 Smith-Shawver |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-smith-shawver-called-up-by-braves |access-date=May 30, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves call up top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who will begin in bullpen |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-call-up-pitching-prospect-smith-shawver/WAZGEXBZ75ELLIGD2AJ62PBHDM/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> He faced the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] in his major league debut on June 4, pitching {{frac|2|1|3}} innings of relief while recording three strikeouts and one walk.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=No. 4 prospect's strong debut sets up veteran's clutch slam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/eddie-rosario-hits-grand-slam-in-braves-win |access-date=June 5, 2023 |publisher=MLB.com |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=‘Just trying to breathe:’ Braves ‘ AJ Smith-Shawver has successful MLB debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/just-trying-to-breathe-braves-aj-smith-shawver-has-successful-mlb-debut/MWC7XXZD5JA7FKU4N6RDNUKHQY/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>
+On May 30, 2023, the Braves selected Smith-Shawver's contract and promoted him to the major leagues for the first time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chen |first1=Sonja |title=Braves dip into prospect well again, call up No. 4 Smith-Shawver |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/aj-smith-shawver-called-up-by-braves |access-date=May 30, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title=Braves call up top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver, who will begin in bullpen |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-call-up-pitching-prospect-smith-shawver/WAZGEXBZ75ELLIGD2AJ62PBHDM/ |access-date=May 30, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=May 30, 2023}}</ref> He faced the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] in his major league debut on June 4, pitching {{frac|2|1|3}} innings of relief while recording three strikeouts and one walk.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=No. 4 prospect's strong debut sets up veteran's clutch slam |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/eddie-rosario-hits-grand-slam-in-braves-win |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Toscano |first1=Justin |title='Just trying to breathe:' Braves ' AJ Smith-Shawver has successful MLB debut |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/just-trying-to-breathe-braves-aj-smith-shawver-has-successful-mlb-debut/MWC7XXZD5JA7FKU4N6RDNUKHQY/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 4, 2023}}</ref> Smith-Shawver made his first start against the [[Washington Nationals]] on June 9,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Smith-Shawver has taken fast track to Braves rotation |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/aj-smith-shawver-s-rise-to-braves-rotation |access-date=June 10, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=June 9, 2023}}</ref> yielding two unearned runs on three hits in {{frac|5|1|3}} innings.<ref name="mlbfirststart"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Arcia drives in go-ahead run, Braves beat Nationals 3-2 in another comeback |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401471973 |access-date=June 10, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=June 9, 2023}}</ref> On June 15, Smith-Shawver earned his first win, giving up six hits and one walk with six strikeouts in {{frac|5|2|3}} innings against the [[Colorado Rockies]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Ozzie Albies, AJ Smith-Shawver lead the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Rockies |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401472046 |access-date=June 16, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |work=ESPN.com |date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> He became the youngest Braves pitcher to win a game since [[Steve Avery (baseball)|Steve Avery]] on August 24, 1990.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title=Smith-Shawver earns his first MLB win ... at age 20 |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/braves-win-series-opener-against-rockies |access-date=June 16, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=June 15, 2023}}</ref> On June 26, Shawver was optioned back down to Gwinnett to make room on the roster for the Braves to promote relief pitcher [[Dereck Rodriguez]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burns |first1=ga |title=Braves option AJ Smith-Shawver, Michael Soroka could return |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-option-aj-smith-shawver-michael-soroka-could-return/63RUUZRDYBGWJM5M6BQPDXGYN4/ |access-date=February 24, 2024 |work=Atlanta Journal Constitution |date=June 26, 2023}}</ref>
+Smith-Shawver was invited to spring training before the 2024 regular season began,<ref>{{cite news |title=Youthful gamble paying off for Smith-Shawver |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/aj-smith-shawver-2024-spring-training-discussion |access-date=February 24, 2024 |publisher=MLB.com |date=February 23, 2024}}</ref> but did not make the club and was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.<ref>{{cite news |title=Braves option top pitching prospect AJ Smith-Shawver to AAA |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39708029/braves-option-prospect-aj-smith-shawver-minor-league-camp |access-date=March 13, 2024 |agency=Associated Press |publisher=ESPN.com |date=March 11, 2024}}</ref>
+==Personal life==
+AJ Smith was raised by his mother Laurie and stepfather Jason. He added Shawver to his surname while in high school.<ref name="mlbfirststart">{{cite news |last1=Bowman |first1=Mark |title='Wow, we're here': Smith-Shawver shines in first MLB start |url=https://www.mlb.com/braves/news/aj-smith-shawver-gets-first-mlb-start-in-braves-win |access-date=June 10, 2023 |work=MLB.com |date=June 9, 2023}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 45: / Line 52: @@
 ==External links==
-{{baseballstats|br=s/smithaj01|mlb=700363|espn=4917640|fangraphs=sa3017690|brm=smith-003aj-}}
+{{baseballstats|br=s/smithaj01|mlb=700363|espn=4917640|fangraphs=sa3017690|brm=smith-003aj-|retro=S/Psmita001}}
 *{{Twitter}}
 {{Atlanta Braves roster navbox}}
@@ Line 54: / Line 61: @@
 [[Category:Atlanta Braves players]]
 [[Category:Augusta GreenJackets players]]
-[[Category:Baseball players from Texas]]
+[[Category:Baseball players from Fort Worth, Texas]]
 [[Category:Colleyville Heritage High School alumni]]
 [[Category:Florida Complex League Braves players]]
@@ Line 61: / Line 68: @@
 [[Category:Mississippi Braves players]]
 [[Category:Rome Braves players]]
-[[Category:Sportspeople from Fort Worth, Texas]]
+[[Category:Rome Emperors players]]