Braves flamethrower has been 'hidden gem;' Could be star in making

The Atlanta Braves haven't had the season they hoped to have but that doesn't mean there haven't been any bright spots.

Atlanta was expected to be among the top contenders in baseball this season. Injuries completely changed the season and now it is on the outside looking in on the National League Wild Card race.

While this is the case, there have been some positives. One of the biggest surprises for the Braves this season has been rookie starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach. He has made 18 starts and has a 3.73 ERA.

He has been so good that Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter called him the Braves' "hidden gem."

"The battle for the No. 5 starter job in the Atlanta Braves rotation this spring was between free agent signing Reynaldo López and incumbents Bryce Elder and AJ Smith-Shawver, and while López was the clear winner, the team's depth was put to the test early when Spencer Strider was lost for the year," Reuter said. "After cycling through several ineffective options trying to plug Strider's spot on the staff, Spencer Schwellenbach got his chance on May 29 when he made his (Major League Baseball) debut, and he has been a staple in the rotation ever since.

"The 24-year-old had not pitched above the High-A level prior to this season, and he jumped straight from Double-A to the majors when he was called up. Over 17 starts, he has a 3.78 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 107-to-19 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 97.2 innings."

Schwellenbach wasn't expected to play a major role with Atlanta this season but things changed. He has made the most of his opportunity and should have a solid chance in 2025.

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