AJ Smith-Shawver Sharp Again, Strikes Out Seven In No-Decision
AJ Smith-Shawver pitched well in Saturday's 3-2 victory over the Pirates, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on five hits and two walks while striking out seven, but he came away with a no-decision. This effort comes on the heels of an eight-inning, one-hit masterpiece in his previous start, and if he continues to pitch like this, it will be hard to remove the righty from the rotation once Spencer Strider (hamstring) returns. Through six starts this season, Smith-Shawver owns a 2.76 ERA (3.80 xFIP), 1.35 WHIP, and a 13.8 percent K-BB%. The 22-year-old's next start lines up with the 17-23 Nationals at home next Thursday, so it is an opportunity to keep rolling. The former seventh-round draft pick is still available in over half of Yahoo leagues for fantasy managers looking for pitching help with some rest-of-season upside.
Source: ESPN
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Source: ESPN

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