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Braves make surprising roster move after Saturday’s win

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Apr 13, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The start to Saturday’s game felt all too familiar for the Braves. The Rays found early success against AJ Smith-Shawver, while Atlanta continued to struggle getting guys in from scoring position. For six innings, the Braves offense was scoreless. Then, Sean Murphy happened.

The Braves catcher has been on fire since rejoining the club after cracking a rib during Spring Training. He led off the seventh inning with a solo shot and followed it up with another solo home run in the eighth, tying the game at three apiece. A Michael Harris II two-run homer in the ninth would give the Braves the lead, and while Raisel Iglesias wasn’t perfect closing the door, he was able to seal Atlanta’s fourth win of the season, giving them a chance to win their second series in a row on Sunday afternoon.

Following the game, the Braves announced a somewhat surprising roster move, optioning AJ Smith-Shawver to Gwinnett and recalling right-handed pitcher Michael Petersen.

The #Braves today recalled RHP Michael Petersen to Atlanta after optioning RHP AJ Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett following yesterday’s game.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2025

Smith-Shawver has struggled to start the season, but Saturday’s performance was by far the best of his season. He settled in after a shaky start and finished five innings, allowing two runs with seven strikeouts.

This is likely just some wise roster manipulation by the Braves. Petersen gives the bullpen an extra arm until the club decides to activate Spencer Strider from the IL, who will be joining the rotation next week. With a couple of off days over the next two weeks, they can survive with just four starters for a while if they so choose. I can’t imagine there is a world where the Braves believe it’s a better idea to give Bryce Elder starting opportunities over AJ Smith-Shawver. Smith-Shawver should rejoin the club very soon to be the club’s fifth starter when needed.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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