AJ Smith-Shawver returning to Braves’ rotation

AJ Smith-Shawver is returning to the Braves’ rotation Wednesday, when he will start the afternoon game against the Twins in Minnesota. The start will also give Chris Sale extra days of rest as Atlanta manages its pitching staff down the stretch. Smith-Shawver has continued to build up since returning from Tommy John surgery and has looked sharp in his recent outings with Triple-A Gwinnett, putting himself in position to make another major-league start. Wednesday will mark another step in his return and could give the Braves a chance to evaluate whether the 23-year-old right-hander can hold down a rotation spot for the remainder of the season.