Because of the way the schedule has worked out, Smith-Shawver’s last start was against the Nationals. He looked like the dominant pitcher the Braves’ hoped he would be when they drafted him. With 6.0 innings pitched he only allowed two hits with zero earned runs and struck out six to only two walks.

Game two of the series in the nation’s capital this week features a rematch of a pitching matchup the Braves won just a week ago in Atlanta — rookie AJ Smith-Shawver vs. veteran righty Trevor Williams.