The Atlanta Braves have optioned pitching prospect A.J. Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The move clears the way for the Braves to pick between Bryce Elder and Reynaldo Lopez for the fifth spot in the starting rotation behind Spencer Strider, Max Fried, Chris Sale and Charlie Morton.
In three starts during the exhibition season, Smith-Shawver showed glimpses of his enormous potential -- recording 11 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings -- but also gave up 12 hits, seven earned runs and two homers.
Via Associated Press