Shuster continues rotation push, Olson hit seventh spring homer as Braves tie Mets

Jared Shuster went six innings and Matt Olson, who is having a fantastic spring, homered again as the Atlanta Braves tied the Mets 2-2.

Jared Shuster took the mound for the Braves on Thursday for a start that could weigh heavily in the Braves' competition for a spot in the rotation. Shuster got off to a great start with a pair of scoreless innings which were punctuated by a strikeout of fantasy sports enthusiast, Tommy Pham. The real test came when Shuster had to face a pretty good Mets lineup the second time and that is where things went sideways a bit for Shuster. After walk and a double from the Mets' 8-9 hitters in the third inning, a pair of sacrifice flies gave the Mets a 2-0 lead.

The Braves would get those two runs back immediately, though, thanks to the nuclear hot Matt Olson who hit his SEVENTH home run of spring training to tie the game in the third. The Braves had a chance to take the lead and have a big inning with runners on first and second with one out, but an inning ending double play squashed that threat.

Shuster settled down in the fourth inning while only adding another walk to his ledger. The fifth inning saw him make a throwing error that put a runner on, but got the next three outs without much issue. Shuster's final line from the day ended up being 6 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, and 2 K and now the pressure is on Dylan Dodd to perform tomorrow.

The rest of the game went by largely without incident especially after the minor leaguers started coming in on both sides. Kirby Yates, Lucas Luetge, and AJ Minter each threw scoreless innings of relief (which was definitely good news in the wake of Raisel Iglesias hitting the injured list)

Upcoming Atlanta Braves Schedule

The Braves take on the Boston Red Sox at 6:05 PM EST. Importantly, Dylan Dodd will be taking the mound for Atlanta as he tries to win an Opening Day roster spot.