Rome Braves News: July 26 - August 1, 2024

**Rome Braves Performance Over the Past Week: A Mixed Bag**

The Rome Braves, now rebranded as the Rome Emperors, have had a mixed week in the world of Minor League Baseball. Here’s a breakdown of their recent performance and some notable highlights.

Offensive Struggles

The Emperors have faced significant offensive challenges over the past week. Despite having some standout players, the team has struggled to find consistent contributors. This slump has been particularly evident in their recent games, where they have failed to produce the kind of runs that would help them stay competitive.

Pitching Highlights

On the pitching front, Lucas Braun has been a bright spot for the Emperors. Braun recently threw seven scoreless innings, showcasing his deep pitch mix and ability to command all four pitches effectively. His performance has been impressive enough to consider him for promotion, as he has consistently outperformed High-A hitters when he is on his game.

AJ Smith-Shawver's Trends

AJ Smith-Shawver, another notable prospect, has been making waves with his pitching trends. He recently had a two-start week, which was marked by a significant drop in fastball usage. His fastball usage has been declining steadily, from above 60% to just above 40% in one outing, before bouncing back to 54% in another. This trend is worth keeping an eye on as it could impact his overall performance and potential for promotion.

New Additions and Comebacks

The Gwinnett Stripers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Braves, have added a couple of new players to their roster. Patrick Halligan, who had a stellar start with Mississippi, was called up to Triple-A but had a rocky debut. He bounced back with a scoreless inning of relief, contributing to the Stripers' comeback win. Bryson Worrell, who has been used as a utility outfielder, made a significant impact with a two-run walk-off home run, securing a series win for the Stripers.

Injuries and Rehab

Isaiah Drake, who has been rehabbing from a hamstring injury, has been taking things slowly. He has not played consecutive days yet and has been focusing on pitch selection, with seven walks in 11 plate appearances in the FCL. The Braves are being cautious with his return, ensuring he is fully ready before rejoining the Augusta team.

Prospect Rankings

MLB Pipeline recently updated their top 100 list, with AJ Smith-Shawver moving up to 59th overall and Hurston Waldrep entering at 75th. These rankings reflect the growing recognition of these prospects within the Braves' system.

Conclusion

The Rome Emperors, despite their offensive struggles, have shown promising signs with their pitching. Lucas Braun's performance and AJ Smith-Shawver's evolving trends are key areas to watch. The team's new additions and careful handling of injuries also highlight their commitment to player development. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these elements come together to shape the future of the Braves' minor league system.