Smith-Shawver was outstanding Thursday afternoon, as he generated six strikeouts that came from a whopping 17 swings and misses from his 86 pitches. He blanked the Nats for the first five, but an error from Austin Riley allowed a run to score in the sixth. It’s yet another impressive outing for Smith-Shawver in the month of May, and he’s allowed just one earned run in the month over 19 2/3 innings, giving him a 0.47 ERA in that timeframe. He should be in fantasy lineups for a rematch with the Nationals on Wednesday.

Smith-Shawver gave up two base hits to start the second inning and left both runners stranded by striking out the next three batters. Two walks and a base hit put the Pirates on the board with one run in the third. He would pitch into the sixth, leaving with two outs and two runners on at 97 pitches -- 59 for strikes. Smith-Shawver struck out seven on 13 whiffs. The 22-year-old right-hander will look to keep it going when it takes a 2.76 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 34/15 K/BB ratio across 32 2/3 innings into a start against the Nationals in Atlanta on Thursday.

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.