When the Atlanta Braves sent AJ Smith-Shawver back to the minors after a one start cameo at the end of July, it was clear that they had the 23-year-old in their plans going forward. If not for the MLB rules on how long a player must spend in the minors, as well as an overworked bullpen at the time, it's likely Smith-Shawver would already be back with the team.
Now, with the 15-day requirement on Smith-Shawver's option already passed, it's clear that the righty is set to make his permanent return to the big leagues any day now. However, after their latest roster decision, they've now made it a little more difficult on themselves than they needed to.
AJ Smith-Shawver decision now comes with uncomfortable roster crunch
On Sunday morning, the Braves designated lefty Danny Young for assignment. After spending the first half of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Young was never able to regain the success he had had with the New York Mets over the last two seasons.
However, instead of recalling any of the relievers they have on the 40-man roster, the team opted to add lefty reliever Ray Kerr to the active roster. Kerr, like Young earlier this season, has been working his way back from a UCL surgery he underwent back in 2024.
Kerr has had moderate success in 11.2 innings this year in the minors, but his addition to the 40-man roster exacerbates the pitcher roster crunch. Danny Young was an obvious DFA candidate, and now Kerr replaces him as the last pitcher on the depth charts. Unfortunately, Kerr is also out of options.
If the Braves bring Smith-Shawver back before the rosters expand in two weeks, they will either have to option Dylan Dodd or Victor Mederos, both of whom have surpassed expectations, or part ways with Kerr and risk losing him over waivers.
The decision to bring up Kerr is interesting, considering newly acquired pitchers Duncan Davitt and Tyler Uberstine both have options and did not pitch on Saturday. There's certainly an argument that the Braves went with the lefty Kerr because of handedness or the specific benefits he could offer, but when the time comes to make a decision on Smith-Shawver, they'll have a completely avoidable roster crunch they'll have to navigate.
Add us as a preferred source on Google