AJ Smith-Shawver Looks to Impress On the Road Against Tigers

The Atlanta Braves have seen one of their young stars showcase impressive stuff on the mound this spring

The Atlanta Braves continue their slow march towards Opening Day. 

They're heading to Lakeland to take on the Tigers in a split-squad matchup - Detroit's fielding both a home lineup against Atlanta and sending a squad to take on Toronto in Dunedin. 

AJ Smith-Shawver gets the ball for the Braves, looking to build on the development he's shown with his pitches, most significantly his changeup. It's a pitch he's specifically worked on this spring, with Braves officials remarking how much he's grown as a pitcher from last season to this one. Despite the statistical results, which don't really matter in spring, there's a lot to like from the young righthander, with several around the team speculating he, and not Bryce Elder, maybe the first pitcher called up from Triple-A when the team needs an additional starter. 

Here's how the Braves are lining up for the 1:05 PM ET first pitch:  

CF Michael Harris II
2B Ozzie Albies
1B Matt Olson
SS Orlando Arcia
LF Jarred Kelenic
C Chadwick Tromp
3B Luis Guillorme
RF Eli White
DH Drake Baldwin

Smith-Shawver has an 8.22 ERA in his three spring starts so far. He's pitched 7.2 innings, striking out 11 and walking three. Jackson Stephens is one of the pitchers scheduled to follow Smith-Shawver today. 

Here's how the Tigers are lining up at home: 

DH Parker Meadows
3B Gio Urshela
RF Riley Greene
1B Spencer Torkelson
C Carson Kelly
2B Jace Jung
LF Justyn-Henry Malloy
CF Akil Baddoo
SS Ryan Kreidler

Starting for the Tigers is righty Matt Manning, making his 4th appearance in Grapefruit League action (all starts). He's 0-0 with a 5.63 ERA, having allowed five runs in his eight innings, striking out eleven and walking three. 

How to Watch the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers on Friday, March 15th

Unfortunately, today's matchup is not televised. Coverage for this one is on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network, airing on 680AM/93.7 FM The Fan.