The Atlanta Braves are in a great spot overall in 2023 as they sport the best record in all of baseball. However, after Allan Winans struggled mightily against the Mets last night, they are still trying to find some semblance of stability at the backend of their starting rotation.
Fortunately, Kyle Wright appears to be on the mend and is about to start a rehab assignment, but there is still a short-term need on the pitching staff to address. Today's roster move from the Braves points to them giving a familiar face another look.
The #Braves today recalled LHP Jared Shuster to Atlanta after optioning RHP Allan Winans to Triple-A Gwinnett following last night’s game.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 22, 2023
Jared Shuster is back, Winans sent back to Triple-A
One shouldn't read too much into Shuster's return to the big leagues right now. The Braves have used long relievers Michael Tonkin and Collin McHugh a lot lately and the latter has really struggled of late. As Mark Bowman pointed out, bringing up Shuster now gives the Braves a fresh arm if the need arises over the next few days and potentially allows him to make a spot start later on to give all the other starters an extra day of rest.
For what its worth, Shuster has struggled both in the big leagues and at Triple-A this season. In nine starts for the Braves this season, he has posted a 5.00 ERA and the numbers at Gwinnett have been worse with a 5.77 ERA and opposing batters are hitting .295 against him there. Hopefully Shuster figures something out because if not, any appearances he makes in the near could be an adventure.
Other options that could be in play over the last month or so of the season for the rotation also include Michael Soroka and Dylan Dodd. Soroka has looked really good of late, but the Braves have been managing him carefully and could be trying to maximize service time considerations with him. Dodd had been dealing with some arm soreness and could force his way back into the conversation assuming he can regain the form he showed in spring training this year.