Cobb Reporter

Spencer Schwellenbach has been in the Major Leagues for nearly a month but remains a strong candidate for the Braves' midseason Minor League player of the year. Schwellenbach, ranked as Atlanta's No. 3 prospect, posted a 1.80 ERA, limited opponents to a .513 OPS, and achieved a 5.10 strikeout-to-walk rate across eight starts for High-A Rome and Double-A Mississippi. In his first four Major League starts, he allowed three runs or fewer over five or more innings in three outings.

Braves catcher Travis d’Arnaud commented on Schwellenbach's rapid adjustments: “The adjustments he’s made, and just how fast he’s made the adjustments, are really impressive... His heater command is so good... You can basically call whatever you want and you can have confidence he’ll put it wherever you want it.”

Schwellenbach transitioned from being a shortstop at the University of Nebraska to taking on closing duties before being drafted in the second round in 2021. After missing all of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery, this season marks his first full year as a starter above the high-school level. Despite this limited experience, his performance has bolstered the Braves' rotation amid injuries to Spencer Strider, AJ Smith-Shawver (Atlanta's No. 1 prospect), and Hurston Waldrep (Braves' No. 2 prospect).

“I’m just growing every time I pitch,” Schwellenbach said.

In addition to Schwellenbach’s achievements, other standout players from each affiliate were recognized:

Triple-A Gwinnett: RHP Allan Winans (No. 25 prospect) has maintained a 3.17 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 11 International League outings this season.

Double-A Mississippi: LHP Hayden Harris has struck out 39 percent of batters faced with an impressive 1.74 ERA over 20⅔ innings.

High-A Rome: INF E.J. Exposito has hit .286 with 11 homers and an .866 OPS while successfully stealing bases in 20 out of 23 attempts.

Single-A Augusta: RHP Garrett Baumann (No. 23 prospect) has shown good command with a walk rate of just 5.3 percent and a 3.20 ERA through his first 12 starts.

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