Santiago Espinal’s single leading off the eighth was the Reds’ only hit of the game. Still, it’s hard to say that Smith-Shawver was dominant. He finished the night with five strikeouts and four walks, and 10 of the 19 balls in play against him were hit hard. Obviously, the performance was just what the Braves needed, but Smith-Shawver is probably not a regular mixed-league starter right now. He can be used this weekend against the Pirates, though.

Smith-Shawver left Tuesday’s start after being hit in the elbow against the Rockies, but the 22-year-old will be ready to roll after throwing Saturday. The right-hander has been so-so in 2025, but does offer fantasy upside in the long-term.

Smith-Shawver was struck on the right arm by a 105-mph missile from Rockies slugger Ryan McMahon, which led to his immediate exit from the contest in the sixth inning. The 22-year-old righty was charged with two runs over 5 1/3 frames in his return to the big leagues. He struck out five and issued two walks. He’ll presumably head for additional evaluation and testing to determine the severity of the issue. There should be an update on his status shortly.

Smith-Shawver will start in Colorado tonight. He was 0-2 with a 4.61 ERA and a 17/8 K/BB in 13 2/3 innings over three starts before being sent down earlier this month. It’s possible he’ll last in the rotation this time, but he really needs to cut down on the walks some, especially being as much of a flyball pitcher as he is.