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{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name = AJ Smith-Shawver
|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
|team = Atlanta Braves
|number = 62
|number = 32
|position = [[Pitcher]]
|position = [[Pitcher]]
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2002|11|20}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2002|11|20}}
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|debutteam = Atlanta Braves
|debutteam = Atlanta Braves
|statleague = MLB
|statleague = MLB
|statyear = September 28, 2023
|statyear = 2024 season
|stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value = 1–0
|stat1value = 1–0
|stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
|stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
|stat2value = 4.26
|stat2value = 3.64
|stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
|stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s
|stat3value = 20
|stat3value = 24
|teams =
|teams =
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2023}}–present)
* [[Atlanta Braves]] ({{mlby|2023}}–present)
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==Amateur career==
==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 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|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==
==Professional career==


===Draft and minor leagues===
===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===
===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> 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 |publisher=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 |publisher=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 |publisher=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 |publisher=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>https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/transactions/breaking-braves-option-aj-smith-shawver-to-aaa-gwinnett</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==
==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 |publisher=MLB.com |date=June 9, 2023}}</ref>
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==
==References==
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==External links==
==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}}
*{{Twitter}}
{{Atlanta Braves roster navbox}}
{{Atlanta Braves roster navbox}}
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[[Category:Augusta GreenJackets players]]
[[Category:Augusta GreenJackets players]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Fort Worth, Texas]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Fort Worth, Texas]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Texas]]
[[Category:Colleyville Heritage High School alumni]]
[[Category:Colleyville Heritage High School alumni]]
[[Category:Florida Complex League Braves players]]
[[Category:Florida Complex League Braves players]]
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[[Category:Mississippi Braves players]]
[[Category:Mississippi Braves players]]
[[Category:Rome Braves players]]
[[Category:Rome Braves players]]
[[Category:Rome Emperors players]]

Latest revision as of 21:13, 1 October 2024

AJ Smith-Shawver
Smith-Shawver with the Gwinnett Stripers in 2024
Atlanta Braves – No. 32
Pitcher
Born: (2002-11-20) 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 record1–0
Earned run average3.64
Strikeouts24
Teams

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

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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

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Draft and minor leagues

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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

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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+13 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+13 innings.[2][23] On June 15, Smith-Shawver earned his first win, giving up six hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 5+23 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

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

References

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  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.
  2. ^ 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.
  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.
  7. ^ a b 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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