AJSS didn’t pitch well in his most recent start, but he’s done a nice job overall since returning to the majors.
Life, Death, Taxes, and the Atlanta Braves facing Zack Wheeler. They are the four rules of life, and it will be the case once again on Wednesday night in Philadelphia as Atlanta sees the perennial Cy Young contender for the 18th time since he signed with the Phillies during the 2019 offseason.
Essentially, in 4.5 seasons since signing the deal, Wheeler has made 12 percent of his starts against the Braves. One of those starts came earlier this season and the Braves actually hit Wheeler pretty hard, getting him for five runs on eight hits and three walks over 5 1⁄3 innings at Truist Park. Who knows which lineup will show up for Atlanta this time around, but runs will almost certainly be at a premium. Wheeler has been superb this season on the whole — what else is new? — with an ERA, FIP and xFIP all in the mid-twos.
Last week’s start against the Nationals was arguably the worst of the season for AJ Smith-Shawver, who offered little resistance over the course of 3+ innings for seven runs on eight hits and three walks. To be fair to Smith-Shawver, it was the second time in a week he was seeing Washington’s hitters, which can be tough on a pitcher like AJ with two predominant pitches.
He will have his hands full once again on Wednesday night against a talented, veteran-led Phillies lineup that is in the top 10 of the league in most offensive categories. Keeping the lefty mashers like Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber will be especially important if Smith-Shawver wants to work deep into the game.
First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m. ET. if the game even happens. The forecast in Philly for the next 24 hours is pretty brutal.