Tigers vs. Astros, Royals vs. Orioles: Live updates from MLB Wild Card Series matchups, predictions, how to watch and odds

AJ Smith-Showers made his Wild Card Series debut for the Braves tonight after making only one start for Atlanta during the regular season. That was against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on May 23, when the hard-throwing rookie and former top prospect allowed three hits and two walks in 4 1/3 scoreless innings with four strikeouts.

He went on the IL a few days later with a left oblique strain and did not return to the major league level. In 20 starts this season in Triple A, both before and after his IL stint, Smith-Shawer had a 4.86 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 87 innings, but his 40 walks and 20 homers in those 87 innings meant he didn’t get a chance. found. Back to Atlanta during the season.

In his last five starts with Triple-A Gwinnett, Smith-Shawer had a 4.55 ERA, limiting opponents to a .206 average with 34 strikeouts in 29 2/3 innings, but allowed 10 walks and six RBIs in that span. Homer also allowed.

When he’s on and throwing strikes, Smith-Shawer has great potential to excel at the MLB level, and the Braves will roll the dice in Game 1 and hope he’s on and throwing strikes. If not, the lease could be shortened and Bryce Elder could be brought in.

In six MLB games (five starts) as a 20-year-old rookie in 2023, Smith-Showers had a 4.26 ERA with the Braves, with 20 strikeouts and 11 walks in 25 1/3 innings.

They added him to the 2023 NLDS roster, and in his lone appearance he gave up three hits in 2 2/3 innings in Game 3. Sadly, in the 10-2 loss in Philly, all three hits were homers, albeit solo shots.