Schwellenbach was cruising until Lane Thomas took him deep with one out in the fifth inning. That will overshadow what was a very solid debut where he showed solid control, mixed five pitches, and went right at the Nationals’ lineup. He was testing his luck with many in-zone fastballs all night, but his curveball induced four whiffs on eight swings and his slider looked solid as well. This was an encouraging debut and it’s worth monitoring whether Schwellenbach gets another turn in the Braves’ rotation.

Schwellenbach, who was 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA and a 51/10 K/BB ratio in 45 innings between high-A and Double-A, will make his major league debut today against the Nationals. He’s not assured of sticking around for the long haul, but he has the talent to do so.

Schwellenbach is considered one of the top prospects in the Atlanta system, and one of the better prospects in the minors. A former two-way player, Schwellenbach has been dominant in the minors with a 1.80 ERA and 51/10 K/BB over eight starts. There’s absolutely reason for fantasy optimism, but keep in mind there could be an adjustment period for him to begin his career.

Schwellenbach just got selected by the Phillies with the 59th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, but his pro career will not begin until late 2022, or possibly even early 2023. The 21-year-old both pitched in relief and played shortstop during a three-year stay at the University of Nebraska.