AJ Smith-Shawver shines in relief role for Braves against Astros

AJ Smith-Shawver contributed significantly to the Atlanta Braves' 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on September 20, 2026, by pitching two scoreless innings in relief. Smith-Shawver, who has had a tough season as a starter, showcased his potential by hitting a top speed of 100.3 mph on his fastball. His performance may give the Braves a valuable option in their bullpen as they prepare for the MLB playoffs. This outing follows a season where Smith-Shawver had struggled with a 6.92 ERA in 26 innings as a starter. After this game, the Braves secured their seventh NL East title in nine years, improving their record to 92-64.

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