The Atlanta Braves are off to a rough start in 2025, dropping their first three games of the season to the San Diego Padres. As they look to avoid an 0-4 start, they’ll turn to young right-hander AJ Smith-Shawver in Sunday’s series finale at Petco Park.

Smith-Shawver, one of Atlanta’s top pitching prospects, gets the ball with the hope of stopping the Braves’ early losing skid. After an impressive showing in Spring Training, the 21-year-old will make his first start of the regular season against a Padres lineup that has been tough to start the year.

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The Braves Believe in AJ Smith-Shawver

AJ Smith-Shawver is a rising star in the organization. The Braves love his stuff and he’s still relatively raw. He has come a long way since he began pitching in 2020. The Braves had a decision to make this spring with Ian Anderson out of options, and they chose AJ Smith-Shawver when they traded Anderson to the Angels.

The Pressure is on AJ Smith-Shawver in Season Debut

Through three games, the Braves’ pitching staff has allowed 11 runs in the first two games and tragically lost a bum-luck 1-0 game last night. The bullpen has shouldered much of the damage. The Braves need a stopper tonight in the fourth and final game of the series against the Padres. They look to Smith-Shawver to provide length and effectiveness in his season debut.

The Padres, on the other hand, have been red hot at the plate, led by Fernando Tatis Jr., Xander Bogaerts, and Jake Cronenworth. With Nick Pivetta taking the mound for San Diego, Atlanta’s offense will also need to step up after scoring just six total runs in the first three games of the season.

The Braves entered the year with high expectations, but an 0-4 start would be a frustrating setback for a team expected to contend for another NL East title. A strong outing from Smith-Shawver could be the spark they need to turn things around before heading home for their first series at Truist Park.

First pitch is set for 7:10 PM ET, and Braves fans will be hoping their young pitcher can deliver in a crucial early-season matchup.