The Atlanta Braves continue to shuffle their rotation after experiencing some injuries in the early part of the season. The recently demoted Jared Shuster is on his way back to the big club after being demoted earlier this week. In a corresponding move Collin McHugh was sent to the 15 day IL with shoulder inflammation. It appears the front office will continue to play the IL shuffle as they wait for veterans Kyle Wright and potentially Mike Soroka to work their way back from injury.
The #Braves today recalled LHP Jared Shuster to Atlanta and placed RHP Collin McHugh on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 6, 2023
Shuster made a name for himself this spring with a standout performance in camp. The youngster only allowed three earned runs over 18 ⅔ innings pitched while striking out 18 and walking only 4! Those numbers, along with an injury to Kyle Wright helped Shuster and fellow rookie Dylan Dodd to crack the rotation coming into the season.
The Braves' only loss on the season came in Shuster's lone start as the 24 year old struggled with nerves early in a 4-1 lose to the Washington Nationals. In his first 20 pitches, Shuster allowed three hits (all singles) and three walks. Two of the those walks came with the bases loaded. The lefty appeared to settle into the game and was effective for the rest of the day. Here's hoping Shuster will feel more comfortable this time around.
McHugh was signed to a two year deal last offseason after resurrecting his career in the Ray's bullpen. Man, how many stories start that way? The veteran has been a stabilizing force in the pen for the Braves and has served as the long man for Snitker. On the season, McHugh has pitched 3 2/3 innings while only allowing one run. The bullpen has been no stranger to the IL either losing pitchers like Raisel Iglesias who according to Snitker has yet to resume throwing. The length that McHugh provides will be missed in the short term.