“I mean, it seems like they’re almost enjoying it as much or even more than I am. On Friday, he became the youngest Braves starter since Julio Teheran in 2011 and the second youngest in the majors this season. “It’s awesome just getting to see their faces light up,” said Smith-Shawver, who graduated from high school two years ago in Colleyville, Texas. His parents, Jason and Laurie, were in the stands and said they were more nervous than their son, and they couldn’t believe how calm he always seemed. He made his debut with 2 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings in a relief appearance Sunday at Arizona, but this was a whole different thing, warming up before a sellout home crowd and starting a major-league game. “It’s really cool just to have fans that are really into the game and really support you.” “I was trying to hold back a grin,” said the right-hander, who only began pitching after his junior year in high school and made just 28 starts in the minor leagues (four above Single A) before being called to the majors last week. About four hours later, the Texas phenom had performed admirably against the Washington Nationals, showing poise beyond his years and pitching more skillfully than anyone with just over three years of mound experience at any level probably has a right to.Īfter Smith-Shawver limited the Nationals to three hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings and was charged with two unearned runs, that never-say-die Braves offense made sure he wasn’t tagged for an undeserved loss, erasing a 2-1 deficit with a pair of runs in the eighth inning to give them a 3-2 win at Truist Park, their sixth straight win and fifth straight home win.Ī sellout crowd of 40,297 gave Smith-Shawver a standing ovation when he came off the field during the sixth inning.

On the other side of the room was 20-year-old rookie AJ Smith-Shawver, at his locker preparing for his first major-league start.

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