Biggest Spring Standout: Atlanta Braves
As the regular season is now upon us, we continue our look at the players who made the best cases for themselves this spring, as their team's March standout.
For the Atlanta Braves, their No. 1 prospect and former first-rounder Jared Shuster completely lived up to the hype this spring, and against the odds, earned himself a spot in the starting rotation at the age of 24.
All Shuster did in the Grapefruit League was post a 1.74 ERA with an equally-sparkling 0.77 WHIP, while striking out 19 against just four walks in 20.2 innings. Opponents batted just .115 against the southpaw.
Jared Shuster a name to familiarize yourself with immediately. Today:
— Brendan Tuma (@toomuchtuma) March 17, 2023
4 IP // 3 H // 0 ER // 7:1 K:BB
Spring ERA check: 0.71 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7zvxftIPG1
“I just love the rhythm he has,” manager Brian Snitker said. “Infielders have to love playing behind a guy like that."
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” Shuster said. “I’m going to keep working hard, and hopefully, keep pitching well. It’s been a great experience.”
Thanks to his spectacular spring, Shuster's experience will continue, as he is lined up to start the Braves' opening series finale against the Washington Nationals on April 2 at Nationals Park. The 2020 first-round Draft pick will follow Max Fried and Spencer Strider to the mound as starters in the opening series.
Runner-up for the honor of spring standout for the Braves is Shuster's fellow rookie hurler Dylan Dodd, who also unexpectedly won himself a rotation spot to start the season with a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings.
Other spring standouts:
Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Post a Comment