Atlanta optioned Smith-Shawver to Triple-A Gwinnett on Wednesday.
Just one day after returning from the 15-day IL, Smith-Shawver will now head back to the minors without making an appearance for the big-league team. He threw 4.1 scoreless innings during his lone appearance with Atlanta on May 23, though he's posted a 6.10 ERA in eight starts in the minors. Dylan Lee will come up from Triple-A to fill Smith-Shawver's spot in the bullpen.
Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver: Rejoining Atlanta as reliever
Rotowire
Atlanta activated Smith-Shawver (oblique) from the 15-day injured Tuesday.
Smith-Shawver had been slated to make his second rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A Gwinnett, but he will rejoin the big club instead to offer length in the bullpen, per Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The young right-hander struck out four and allowed one run over two innings in his lone rehab appearance last week with High-A Rome. Smith-Shawver went 4.1 shutout frames in his lone start this season for Atlanta back in late May before exiting with a strained oblique.
Braves' AJ Smith-Shawver: Cleared for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Smith-Shawver (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with High-A Rome on Wednesday.
Smith-Shawver was diagnosed with a Grade 2 left oblique strain back in late May but has been cleared to return to game action. The young right-hander should be an option for Atlanta's rotation shortly after the All-Star break if all goes well, although it's possible he'll remain in the minors rather than rejoin the major-league club.
