Preview: Braves open series against struggling Rockies with Smith-Shawver on mound

While things were far from easy at times, the Atlanta Braves return back home after taking yet another series with this one coming against the Detroit Tigers. Next up on the Braves schedule is the Colorado Rockies and Atlanta will be hoping that AJ Smith-Shawver will be able to build on his success in 2023.

The Rockies are a team that should be one of the easier tests the Braves can give AJSS as he gets acclimated to the big leagues. Colorado is well below .500 and firmly in last place in the National League West. Things haven't shown many signs of improving lately, either, as the Rockies are 3-7 in their last 10 games. The Braves, meanwhile, have won 9 of their last 11 games which has felt quite nice.

Braves vs. Rockies Pitching Matchup

As we have already mentioned, the Braves are sending Smith-Shawver to the mound against Colorado. He made his first major league start (and second appearance overall) against the Nationals on June 9th and did not give up an earned run in 5.1 innings of work. He only struck out two batters in that start and his stuff indicates he should miss some more bats, so that is something to keep an eye on in those.

The Rockies are sending Kyle Freeland to the mound. The downside of that is that Freeland is putting together a pretty decent season for Colorado with a 3.91 ERA in 14 starts this year. The good news is that he is a lefty and the Braves seem to love hitting against lefties. Ronald Acuna Jr., Kevin Pillar, and Ozzie Albies in particular have had success in the past against Freeland with Ronnie and Pillar each having homers off of him.

How to watch Braves vs. Rockies - 6/15

Date/Time/Location: 6/15/23 at 7:20 PM EST at Truist Park

TV: Bally Sports Southeast

Radio: Braves - 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan